Wearable devices and methods for providing therapy to a user and/or for measuring physiological parameters of the user

ABSTRACT

Wearable devices can be used to provide therapy to users and/or to monitor various physiological parameters of the user. In some cases, therapy can be triggered automatically based on the monitored physiological parameters reaching or exceeding predefined thresholds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/958,383, filed on Jan. 8, 2020, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/043,471, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, thedisclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wearable devices for providing therapyto a user and/or for measuring physiological parameters of the user.

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices are well known for measuring physiological parametersof a user, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Sometimes the user'sheart rate and/or blood pressure measurements will change during periodsof increased mental stress or anxiety. Monitoring physiologicalparameters are useful in indicating such changes to the user.

There is a need for providing therapy to the user in response to changesin physiological parameters, e.g., to treat stress, anxiety, nausea,etc. There is also a need for alternative wearable devices.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a wearable device provides haptic therapy to auser. The wearable device comprises a wrist band to be worn by the userand one or more haptic generators arranged on the wrist band to be inproximity to an acupressure point of the user when the wrist band isworn by the user.

In some embodiments, a wearable device provides therapy to a user. Thewearable device comprises a wearable support to be worn by the user. Oneor more haptic output devices are carried by the wearable support. Acontroller is operable in a training mode and a therapy mode. Thecontroller is configured to condition the user in the training mode toelicit a desired physiological response from the user by activating theone or more haptic output devices in a predetermined pattern in thetraining mode. The controller is configured to provide therapy to theuser in the therapy mode after conditioning the user in the trainingmode by activating the one or more haptic output devices in the samepredetermined pattern in the therapy mode in response to input from atherapy trigger.

In some embodiments, a method provides therapy to a user using awearable device comprising a wearable support worn by the user, one ormore haptic output devices carried by the wearable support, and atherapy trigger. The method comprises initiating operation of thewearable device in a training mode to condition the user in the trainingmode to elicit a desired physiological response from the user. The oneor more haptic output devices are activated in a predetermined patternin the training mode. The method also comprises initiating operation ofthe wearable device in the therapy mode after conditioning the user inthe training mode. The one or more haptic output devices are activatedin the same predetermined pattern in the therapy mode in response toinput from the therapy trigger.

In some embodiments, a wearable device comprises a wearable support tobe worn by the user and one or more haptic output devices arranged onthe wearable support to be in proximity to an acupressure point of theuser when the wearable support is worn by the user. A controller isoperatively coupled to the one or more haptic output devices to controlthe one or more haptic output devices.

In some embodiments, a method comprises placing one or more hapticoutput devices of a wearable support in proximity to an acupressurepoint of a user when the wearable support is worn by the user. Themethod further comprises controlling the one or more haptic outputdevices with a controller to provide therapy to the user.

In some embodiments, a wearable device measures blood pressure of auser. The wearable device comprises a wrist band to be worn by the user.The wrist band includes an inflatable bladder. An inflator isoperatively coupled to the inflatable bladder to inflate the inflatablebladder. A blood pressure measurement unit is operatively coupled to thewrist band to measure the blood pressure of the user. A band tensioneris operatively coupled to the wrist band to tighten the wrist band onthe user. A controller is operatively coupled to the inflator, the bloodpressure measurement unit, and the band tensioner to coordinateoperation of the inflator, the blood pressure measurement unit, and theband tensioner to take one or more blood pressure measurements.

In some embodiments, a method measures blood pressure of a user using awearable device comprising a wrist band including an inflatable bladder,an inflator operatively coupled to the inflatable bladder to inflate theinflatable bladder, a blood pressure measurement unit operativelycoupled to the wrist band, and a band tensioner operatively coupled tothe wrist band. The method comprises tensioning the wrist band with theband tensioner to a preset tension. The inflatable bladder is inflatedto a pressure above systolic pressure for the user while the wrist bandis under tension. The method also comprises capturing one or morepressure measurements while releasing pressure from the inflatablebladder.

In some embodiments, a wearable device measures blood pressure of a userand employs one or more haptic generators to indicate to the user that ablood pressure measurement is to be taken. The wearable device comprisesa wrist band configured to be worn by the user. The wrist band includesan inflatable bladder. The one or more haptic generators, which aredifferent than the inflatable bladder, are carried by the wrist band. Aninflator is operatively coupled to the inflatable bladder to inflate theinflatable bladder. A blood pressure measurement unit is operativelycoupled to the wrist band to measure the blood pressure of the user. Acontroller is operatively coupled to the one or more haptic generators,the inflator, and the blood pressure measurement unit. The controller isconfigured to activate the one or more haptic generators to indicate tothe user that the inflatable bladder is to be inflated and a bloodpressure measurement is to be taken.

In some embodiments, a method comprises activating one or more hapticgenerators to indicate to the user that an inflatable bladder is to beinflated and a blood pressure measurement is to be taken.

In some embodiments, a wearable device measures blood pressure of a userwith a first blood pressure measurement unit and a second blood pressuremeasurement unit. The first blood pressure measurement unit comprises aninflatable bladder, an inflator operatively coupled to the inflatablebladder to inflate the inflatable bladder, a valve coupled to theinflator, and a pressure sensor. The second blood pressure measurementunit comprises one or more optical sensors and one or more lightsources. A controller is operatively coupled to the first blood pressuremeasurement unit and the second blood pressure measurement unit. Thecontroller operates in a normal mode to take one or more blood pressuremeasurements of the user with the second blood pressure measurementunit. The controller operates in a calibration mode to take one or moreblood pressure measurements with the first blood pressure measurementunit to calibrate the second blood pressure measurement unit.

In some embodiments, a method measures blood pressure of a user using awearable device that carries a first blood pressure measurement unit anda second blood pressure measurement unit. The method comprises capturingone or more blood pressure measurements of the user in a normal modewith the second blood pressure measurement unit and capturing one ormore blood pressure measurements of the user in a calibration mode withthe first blood pressure measurement unit to calibrate the second bloodpressure measurement unit.

In some embodiments, a wearable device provides therapy to a user. Thewearable device comprises a wrist band to be worn by the user. Aprojection protrudes from the wrist band to engage an acupressure pointof the user when the wrist band is worn by the user. One or more hapticoutput devices are arranged on the wrist band to provide haptic therapyto the acupressure point of the user when the wrist band is worn by theuser, the one or more haptic output devices arranged to producevibrations through the projection to be felt by the user during thehaptic therapy. A controller is operatively coupled to the one or morehaptic output devices to control the one or more haptic output devices.

In some embodiments, a method provides therapy to a user using awearable device including a wrist band worn by the user, one or morehaptic output devices carried by the wrist band, and a projectionextending from the wrist band. The method comprises placing theprojection adjacent to acupressure point Pericardium 6 (P6), placing theone or more haptic output devices in proximity to the acupressure pointP6 of the user when the wearable support is worn by the user, andcontrolling the one or more haptic output devices to provide haptictherapy to the user.

In some embodiments, a wearable device provides therapy to a user. Thewearable device comprises a wrist band to be worn by the user. Aprojection protrudes from the wrist band to engage acupressure pointPericardium 6 of the user when the wrist band is worn by the user. Afirst haptic output device is arranged on the wrist band to providehaptic therapy to the acupressure point Pericardium 6 of the user whenthe wrist band is worn by the user. The first haptic output device isarranged to produce vibrations through the projection to be felt by theuser during the haptic therapy. A first controller is operativelycoupled to the first haptic output device to control the first hapticoutput device. A second haptic output device is arranged on the wristband to provide haptic therapy to the acupressure point San Jiao 5 (alsoreferred to as triple warmer 5) of the user when the wrist band is wornby the user. The second haptic output device is arranged to producevibrations to be felt by the user during the haptic therapy. A secondcontroller is operatively coupled to the second haptic output device tocontrol the second haptic output device.

In some embodiments, a method provides therapy to a user using awearable device including a wrist band worn by the user, a first hapticoutput device carried by the wrist band, a second haptic output devicecarried by the wrist band, and first and second projections extendingfrom the wrist band. The method comprises placing the first projectionadjacent to acupressure point Pericardium 6 and placing the secondprojection adjacent to acupressure point San Jiao 5. The method alsocomprises placing the first haptic output device in proximity to theacupressure point Pericardium 6 of the user when the wearable support isworn by the user and placing the second haptic output device inproximity to the acupressure point San Jiao 5 of the user when thewearable support is worn by the user. The first and second haptic outputdevices are controlled to provide haptic therapy to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wearable device comprising a wristband and display unit.

FIG. 2 is a view of a display.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system for the wearable device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the wearable device of FIG. 1illustrating connectors for connecting the wrist band to the displayunit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the wrist band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a graph of a waveform for providing therapy to a user.

FIG. 8 is a graph of another waveform for providing therapy to a user.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are examples of repeating waveforms.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a user speaking into a wearable device tocreate the waveform of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wearable device comprising inflatablebladders.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control system for the wearable deviceof FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the wearable device of FIG. 10illustrating connectors for connecting a wrist band to a display unit.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the wrist band of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a fluid circuit for the wearable device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 10 inan uninflated state.

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 10wherein a first inflatable bladder is in a fully inflated state and asecond inflatable bladder is in a partially inflated state.

FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 10wherein the first inflatable bladder is in the fully inflated state andthe second inflatable bladder in a fully inflated state.

FIG. 15D is an illustration of a user's wrist and the acupressure pointP6.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a wrist band including aprojection for placing against an acupressure point of a user.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device illustrating thewrist band of FIG. 16 with the projection being pressed into theacupressure point of the user during therapy.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a wrist band including ahaptic generator for placing against an acupressure point of a user.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device illustrating thewrist band of FIG. 18 with the haptic generator being placed against theacupressure point of the user during therapy.

FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device illustrating asensor housing being placed against an acupressure point of the userduring therapy.

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device illustratingactuation of a linear actuator to apply pressure to the acupressurepoint.

FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device illustrating asensor housing being placed against an acupressure point of the userduring therapy.

FIG. 20D is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device illustratingactuation of a rotary actuator to apply pressure to the acupressurepoint.

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including awrist band and a haptic generator being placed against the acupressurepoint of the user during therapy.

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including awrist band and haptic generators being placed against two differentacupressure points of the user during therapy.

FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including awrist band and inflatable bladders being placed against two differentacupressure points of the user during therapy.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a band tensioner for placing awrist band in tension.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including a wristband with inflatable bladders and a band tensioner.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a wearable device including a head bandand a pair of ear pieces.

FIG. 25 is a graph of brain waves.

FIG. 25A illustrates a meridian path of the user.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a control system for the wearable deviceof FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a wearable device including a pair ofear pieces.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including a wristband and a haptic generator being placed against the acupressure pointof the user during therapy.

FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connection for aprojection and a housing to connect the projection and the housing to awearable support.

FIG. 28B is a top view of an array of projections.

FIG. 28C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connection for aprojection and a housing to connect the projection and the housing to awearable support.

FIG. 28D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connection for aprojection and a housing to connect the projection and the housing to awearable support.

FIG. 28E is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connection for aprojection and a housing to connect the projection and the housing to awearable support.

FIG. 29 is a partially exploded view of the wearable device of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an electrical schematic diagram.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including a wristband and a haptic generator being placed against the acupressure pointof the user during therapy.

FIG. 32 is a partially exploded view of the wearable device of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a post and projection of thewearable device of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is an electrical schematic diagram of a circuit.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including a wristband and two haptic generators being placed against acupressure pointsof the user during therapy.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including a wristband and two haptic generators being placed against acupressure pointsof the user during therapy.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a wearable device including a headband.

FIG. 38 is an exploded, perspective view of a wearable device includinga wrist band and a haptic generator for being placed against anacupressure point of a user during therapy, wherein the haptic generatoris located in a housing that can be releasably coupled to the wristband.

FIG. 38A is a cross-sectional view of a projection, base, and post ofthe wearable device of FIG. 38.

FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 38showing the housing separated from the wrist band.

FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 38showing the housing coupled to the wrist band.

FIG. 39C is a cross-sectional view illustrating connection of snapelements to facilitate coupling of the housing to the wrist band.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the wearable device ofFIG. 38 being reversible (inside-out) so that the projection is able totreat other anatomical sites of the user.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a waterproof housing.

FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including a wristband and a haptic generator for being placed against an acupressurepoint of a user during therapy, wherein the haptic generator is locatedin a housing that is attached to a separate band that is releasablyattachable to the wrist band.

FIG. 44A is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device with a cam in atreatment position.

FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view of the wearable device of FIG. 44Awith the cam in a home position.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a housing of the wearable device ofFIG. 44A illustrating an arrangement of cams to be rotated fortreatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable device 30 is shown for providing therapyto a user and for measuring/monitoring one or more physiologicalparameters of the user. The therapy that can be provided by the wearabledevice 30 includes haptic therapy and/or heat therapy. Haptic therapymay include vibration therapy and/or pressure therapy, as describedfurther below. The physiological parameters that can be measured andmonitored include heart rate, skin temperature, blood pressure,electroencephalographic (EEG) readings, electrocardiogram (ECG)readings, blood oxygen, combinations thereof, and the like.

The wearable device 30 comprises a wearable support 32 configured to beworn by the user. In the version shown in FIG. 1, the wearable support32 is a wrist band to be worn on a user's wrist W, but the wearablesupport 32 may be other forms of wearable supports that enable thewearable device 30 to be worn by the user, such as a head band, an armband, a leg band, an ear piece, a garment (e.g., shirt, shorts, pants,dresses, undergarments, socks, shoes), or the like. The wrist band shownin FIG. 1 may be formed of inelastic, elastic, and/or semi-elasticmaterials, or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable materialsinclude, but are not limited to, vinyl, silicone, non-woven fabric,woven fabric, Tyvek® plastic, Neoprene, leather, faux leather, and thelike.

In some versions, a display unit 34 is coupled to the wearable support32. The display unit 34 may include a housing that carries a display 36(see also FIG. 2) and/or a user interface UI for interacting with theuser. The display 36 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a lightemitting diode (LED) display, organic light emitting diode (OLED)display, or other type of display. The user interface UI may include atouch screen (e.g., capacitive touch screen, etc.), sensors (e.g., touchsensors, gesture sensors, etc.), buttons, or other forms of user inputdevices. In FIG. 1, the user interface UI includes a capacitive touchscreen 38, a capacitive sensor 40 for detecting a user's finger touchfor input, and a push button 42. The display unit 34 may be a watchunit, such as an Apple Watch, Samsung Watch, or other form of smartwatch unit.

The wearable support 32 is coupled to the display unit 34 via one ormore connectors 44. The display unit 34 may carry one or more batteriesBT (see FIG. 3) for providing power to the display 36 and/or otherelectronic components of the wearable device 30. Batteries BT may alsobe provided on the wearable support 32. In some versions, the connectors44 provide electrical contact between the batteries BT of the displayunit 34 and the electronic components carried by the wearable support32. Examples of suitable connectors and methods for connecting thedisplay unit 34 to the wearable support 32 are shown in U.S. Pat. No.10,058,148 to Wittenberg et al., entitled “Attachment MechanismArchitectures For A Watch Band,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference and U.S. Pat. No. 10,448,711 to Kallman et al., entitled“Accessory Contacts,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.In some versions, the wearable support 32 is worn by the user withoutany display unit, or more than one display unit 34 may be coupled to thewearable support 32.

A haptic therapy system is coupled to the wearable support 32. Thehaptic therapy system includes one or more haptic output devices carriedby the wearable support. The haptic output devices may comprise hapticgenerators 46 carried by the wearable support 32. The haptic generators46 shown in FIG. 1 are haptic actuators in the form of vibration motorsthat generate vibrations that can be felt/sensed by the user. Suchvibration motors may be electric DC vibration motors that have aneccentric mass that is rotated to generate such vibrations in responseto supplied electrical current. The haptic generators 46 may also bepiezoelectric actuators that vibrate when supplied with electricalcurrent or may include shape memory materials that change shape whenheated and provide associated haptic output to the user. In someversions, the piezoelectric actuators may be configured to generateultrasonic output that can be felt/sensed by the user. Other forms ofhaptic output devices, described further below, may also be used.Combinations of vibration motors, piezoelectric actuators, other hapticgenerators, and/or other haptic output devices may be used. In someversions, the haptic generators 46 are vibration motors that rotate in arange of rotations per minute (RPM) or that operate at a predeterminedfrequency. For instance, some of the haptic generators 46 may operate ina range of from 100 to 10,000 RPM, from 1,000 to 5,000 RPM, from 1,500to 4,500 RPM, or the like. Some of the haptic generators 46 may operateat a frequency of from 5 to 100 Hz, from 10 to 80 Hz, from 30 to 80 Hz,from 40 to 70 Hz, or the like. Some of the haptic generators 46 mayoperate above 10,000 RPM or above 100 Hz, such as from 100 Hz to 200 Hz.In some cases, the haptic actuators described below that are used near auser's head may operate at lower frequencies than those that are used ona user's wrist, for example.

In the version shown in FIG. 1, there are four haptic generators 46embedded into the wearable support 32, beneath an interface surface 50of the wearable support 32. In other versions, the haptic generators 46may be disposed on the interface surface 50 for direct contact with theuser. A single haptic generator 46, or multiple haptic generators 46could be employed. Suitable haptic generators 46 include, for example,3.0V DC micro coin vibration motors 1030 from BestTong, available atwww.Amazon.com. Other suitable haptic generators 46 and controls for thehaptic generators 46 include those available from Boreas TechnologiesInc. located in Bromont, Quebec (e.g., PowerHap actuators, part no.1204H018V060 and associated piezoelectric drivers available in theBOS1901-Kit). The haptic generators 46 are intended to provide haptictherapy (also referred to as vibration therapy) to the user and/or toprovide the user with alerts, notifications, and the like, as describedfurther below.

A temperature therapy system is coupled to the wearable support 32. Thetemperature therapy system comprises one or more thermal elements 48carried by the wearable support 32. The thermal elements 48 may includeheating elements and/or cooling elements. The thermal elements 48 may besmall coils, ribbons, or strips of wire that generate heat in responseto supplied electrical current, and/or may be a fluid cooling circuit,thermoelectric elements (e.g., coolers that operate on the Peltiereffect), or the like that cool a surface. Other forms of thermalelements may also be used. In the version shown in FIG. 1, there arefour thermal elements 48 embedded into the wearable support 32, beneaththe interface surface 50 of the wearable support 32. In other versions,the thermal elements 48 may be disposed on the interface surface 50 fordirect contact with the user. A single thermal element 48 or multiplethermal elements 48 could be employed. The thermal elements 48 areintended to provide thermal therapy to the user by warming or coolingthe user's skin surface via the wearable support 32.

A measuring system 52 is coupled to the wearable support 32. Themeasuring system 52 comprises one or more measuring devices formeasuring one or more physiological parameters of the user. In theversion shown, the measuring devices include one or more optical sensors54 (e.g., photodiodes or photodetectors) and one or more light sources56 for measuring heart rate and/or blood pressure usingphotoplethysmography (PPG). The light sources 56 emit light onto atissue of the user (e.g., user's wrist W, behind ear, etc.) and theoptical sensors 54 measure the reflected light from the tissue. Thereflected light is proportional to blood volume variations. The lightsources 56 may include one or more infrared light emitting diodes(IR-LED) and/or one or more green light emitting diodes (G-LED). Bloodvolume changes can be measured (calculated) based on the amount of thereflected light using conventional PPG measuring techniques. The opticalsensors 54 and the light sources 56 may be mounted in a sensor housing57. Suitable sensors and light sources for measuring heart rate or otherphysiological parameters are disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0058375 to Rothkopf, entitled “Wearable ElectronicDevice,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Other methods of measuring heart rate and/or blood pressure are alsocontemplated. In some versions, blood pressure is measured using acombination of one or more pressure sensors 58, one or moreelectrocardiogram (ECG) sensors 60, and the one or more optical sensors54. See, for example, the method of measuring blood pressure describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,086,301 to Cho et al., entitled, “Method AndApparatus For Cufflessly And Non-Invasively Measuring Wrist BloodPressure In Association With Communication Device,” hereby incorporatedby reference herein. Also see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,605 toSola I Caros et al., entitled “Method And Apparatus For A ContinuousNon-Invasive And Non-Obstructive Monitoring Of Blood Pressure,” herebyincorporated herein by reference. In some of these methods, ECG signalsare generated by an opposing finger of the user making contact with oneof the ECG sensors 60. See, for example, the ECG sensor 60 on an outersurface of the wearable support 32 for receiving the opposing finger ofthe user (on the hand which does not include the wearable device 30).The pressure sensors 58 and the other ECG sensors 60 may be mounted inthe sensor housing 57.

Referring to FIG. 3, a control system 62 is shown for the wearabledevice 30. The control system 62 includes a controller 66 that isoperatively coupled to the display unit 34 (and the display 36 and userinterface UI thereof), the haptic generators 46, the thermal elements48, the optical sensors 54, the light sources 56, the pressure sensors58, the ECG sensors 60, and any other electronic components describedherein that transmit signals to and/or receive signals from thecontroller 66. The controller 66 may include one or moremicroprocessors, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays,systems on a chip, volatile or nonvolatile memory, discrete circuitry,and/or other hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carryingout the functions described herein. As previously described, when theconnectors 44 engage the display unit 34, power and data connections aremade between the display unit 34 and the wearable support 32. In someversions, the controller 66 is part of the display unit 34. In someversions, the controller 66 is part of the wearable support 32. In someversions, the controller 66 may comprise a controller on the wearablesupport 32 and a controller on the display unit 34. Other locations forthe controller 66 are also contemplated. The user interface UI isoperatively coupled to the display 36 to change images on the display 36and to also control the other electronic components described herein.

FIG. 4 shows one of the connectors 44 exploded from the wearable support32 and the display unit 34. As previously mentioned, the connectors 44may provide power and data connections between the display unit 34 andthe electronic components carried by the wearable support 32. This maybe accomplished, for example, by contacts 67 located on the connectors44 that establish connections (power, data, etc.) between the displayunit 34 and the electronic components carried by the wearable support.The wearable support 32 may also comprises an identification device ID(see FIG. 5) that identifies the particular wearable support 32 that isconnected to the display unit 34. The identification device ID maycomprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, non-volatilememory, other electronic storage device, or the like, that is configuredto transmit/output a unique identifier associated with the wearablesupport 32 to the controller 66 when the wearable support 32 isconnected to or in proximity to the display unit 34. The uniqueidentifier may indicate a type of wearable support, a part no., a modelno., or the like to the controller 66. The controller 66 may be incommunication with a database or look-up table stored in the memory MEM,or otherwise accessible by the controller 66, that associates the uniqueidentifier with the wearable support 32 and/or the controller 66 maycompute an algorithm to determine the identification of the wearablesupport 32 based on the unique identifier.

Each connector 44 includes a roller 68 around which a portion 70 of thewearable support 32 passes. On one end, the portion 70 is wrapped aroundthe roller 68 and then fixed (see stitches 72), or otherwise permanentlyfastened to the remainder of the wearable support 32. On the opposingend, the portion 70 is wrapped around the roller 68 and a releasablefastening system 73 is employed to releasably attach the portion 70 tothe remainder of the wearable support 32. This facilitates tighteningand loosening of the wearable support 32, depending on how much of theportion 70 is pulled around the roller 68. The releasable fasteningsystem may include hook and loop type fasteners (see, for example, hooks73 a and loops 73 b), snaps, buttons, latches/catches, adjusters, or thelike. The wearable support 32 may also be permanently attached to thedisplay unit 34 at both ends or may comprise more than one releasablefastening system.

Referring to FIG. 5, the wearable support 32 includes a first flexiblelayer 74, a second flexible layer 76, and a flex circuit 78 disposedbetween the first flexible layer 74 and the second flexible layer 76.The wearable support 32 may include one or more layers, that are anysuitable combination of flexible, inflexible, semi-flexible, elastic,semi-elastic, and/or inelastic. The one or more haptic generators 46,thermal elements 48, sensors 54, 58, 60, lights sources 56, andidentification device ID are disposed on the flex circuit 78 between thefirst flexible layer 74 and the second flexible layer 76. The flexcircuit 78 comprises power and/or data cables 78 a, 78 b that connectthe flex circuit 78 and the electronic components carried on the flexcircuit 78 to the display unit 34 through any suitable connectiontechnique to provide communication (power, data, etc.) between the flexcircuit 78 and the display unit 34 (e.g., between the flex circuit 78and the controller 66). The flex circuit 78 acts as a flexible circuitboard that provides suitable electrical power and data connections tothe components it carries, e.g., to the haptic generators 46, thethermal elements 48, the sensors 54, 58, 60, the light sources 56, theidentification device ID, and the like. FIG. 6 shows one of the cables78 a extending from the flex circuit 78 to a printed circuit board PCB1in the display unit 34. In the version shown, the controller 66 ismounted to the printed circuit board PCB1, along with the one or morebatteries BT. The haptic generators 46, the thermal elements 48, thesensors 54, 58, 60, the light sources 56, and the identification deviceID may be attached to the flex circuit 78 so that they are able totransmit/receive signals to/from the controller 66 via the cables 78 a,78 b, wireless communication, or through any other suitable connections.

In some versions, the controller 66 and/or the one or more batteries BTmay also be mounted to the flex circuit 78 (see phantom lines in FIG.5). In this case, the cables 78 a, 78 b may connect to the userinterface UI and the display 36 located on the display unit 34. Anadditional, or alternative, display 36 (see phantom lines in FIG. 5)could also be attached to the flex circuit 78 and located on thewearable support 32 for viewing through the second flexible layer 76(see phantom opening 36 a).

The flex circuit 78 may be attached and fixed to the first flexiblelayer 74 and/or the second flexible layer 76 via adhesive, stitching,ultrasonic welding, radiofrequency (RF) welding, tape, or the like, ormay be loosely placed between the flexible layers 74, 76. In this case,the flexible layers 74, 76 may be attached about their outer peripheriesusing one or more of the attachment methods described, or using anysuitable attachment method. The sensor housing 57 is mounted to thefirst flexible layer 74 in an opening 80 through the first flexiblelayer 74. The sensor housing 57 may be attached and fixed to the firstflexible layer 74 using one or more of the attachment methods described,or any suitable attachment method. The first flexible layer 74, thesecond flexible layer 76, and the flex circuit 78 may be formed ofplastic. The first flexible layer 74, the second flexible layer 76,and/or the flex circuit 78 may be formed of inelastic, elastic, orsemi-elastic materials, or combinations thereof. FIG. 6 shows across-sectional view of the wearable device 30 generating hapticfeedback and heat to a wrist of the user.

The wearable device 30 may operate in multiple modes in which haptictherapy and/or heat therapy are provided and/or in which one or morephysiological parameters are measured/monitored. In some versions, thewearable device 30 is used to treat the user's anxiety or to reduce theuser's stress. This may include conditioning the user in a training modeto elicit a desired physiological response from the user, such as alowered heart rate, a lowered skin temperature, lowered blood pressure,lowered EEG signals, lowered ECG signals, a raised blood oxygen level,combinations thereof, or the like. For example, the controller 66 may beprogrammed to activate the one or more haptic generators 46 in apredetermined pattern in the training mode during times of low stressand/or low anxiety. The thermal elements 48 may also be activated toraise the patient's skin temperature to a predetermined temperature inthe training mode. Training sessions may be initiated during periods ofrest, during periods of relaxation (e.g., during massage therapy, energytherapy, or other therapeutic treatment methods), and/or during otherperiods in which the user has low stress/anxiety. The controller 66 maybe programmed to initiate training sessions at the same time each dayand/or for the same duration (e.g., in the middle of the night duringrestful sleep).

A training session may be initiated/stopped by the user or by atherapist via the user interface (e.g., via a start/stop training modeicon on the touchscreen or button). The training session mayadditionally, or alternatively, be initiated/stopped automatically inresponse to one or more physiological parameters of the user reaching,falling below, or exceeding certain thresholds. For example, thetraining session may be initiated automatically upon the controller 66detecting the user's heart rate reaching or falling below a threshold(e.g., reaching or falling below 75 beats per minute, 70 beats perminute, etc.) and/or the training session may be automatically stoppedupon the controller 66 detecting one or more physiological parameters ofthe user reaching, fall below, or exceeding certain thresholds (may bethe same or different thresholds than those that initiate the trainingsession). In some cases, the thresholds may be discrete values or rangesof values. The thresholds may be user-specific and/or set by thetherapist based on typical values of the user. The wearable device 30may also learn the thresholds in a learning mode that occurs before thetraining mode. In the learning mode, the wearable device 30 may monitorthe user for a predetermined duration, e.g., one day, one week, etc. andmay then define the thresholds based on averages (e.g., average heartrate, average blood pressure, etc.), based on low values, based on highvalues, based on predetermined offsets from the low values or the highvalues, based on look-up tables for similar users or groups of users,and the like.

The training mode may be carried out over several training sessions,such as two, three, four, five, or more training sessions. Thesetraining sessions may last a few seconds, one minute, two minutes, fiveminutes, or longer. Once training is complete, e.g., by measuring thetotal number, length, etc. of the training sessions and comparing to atraining threshold, then the therapy mode is enabled for activation. Theuser or therapist may also manually enable the therapy mode once theuser or therapist is satisfied that suitable training of the user hasbeen completed. For example, training may require a predetermined numberand duration of training sessions, e.g., training could require at leastthree training sessions and a total duration of training of at leastthree hours. Other suitable numbers of sessions and/or total durationsto complete training are also contemplated.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate digital/analog waveforms W1, W2 output by theone or more haptic generators 48 that can be repeated over and over tobe learned by the user during the periods of relaxation in the trainingmode. The same pattern may be repeated by one haptic generator 46, or bytwo or more haptic generators 46 for the entire duration of the trainingsession. Portions of the pattern may be generated by one hapticgenerator 46, while other portions are generated by the other hapticgenerators 46. These repeating patterns may be simple or complex, andgenerated by one or more of the haptic generators 46. Examples of simplewaveforms W3, W4 being repeated are shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In someversions, only a single haptic generator 46 is provided. In someversions, the repeating pattern is simply the haptic generator 46 beingactive for a first duration, at a predefined power level, and then beinginactive for a second duration (the same or different than the firstduration), and this pattern being repeated over and over until thetraining session is complete.

The controller 66 is configured to store the predetermined pattern inthe memory MEM for retrieval during the training mode and later, duringthe therapy mode. The predetermined pattern may comprise a repeatedpattern of activation and deactivation of the one or more hapticgenerators 46. The repeated patterns of activation and deactivation ofthe one or more haptic generators 46 may mimic a breathing pattern ofthe user. For example, some relaxation techniques prescribe inhaling forfive seconds and exhaling for five seconds to relax the user. Therepeated pattern of activation and deactivation of the one or morehaptic generators 46 may emulate such breathing patterns, e.g., by beingactive for five seconds and then inactive for five seconds. Otheractivation/deactivation patterns are also contemplated. In some cases,haptic output (e.g., vibrations) generated by the haptic generators 46are consciously sensed by the user, i.e., the user can consciously feelvibrations caused by the haptic generators 46 on their skin. In somecases, the haptic output may be subtle and unable to be easily felt bythe user, but nonetheless generate vibrations that can be sensed by oneor more mechanoreceptors of the user.

In some versions, the waveforms may be created by the user, therapist,or by another. This can be done by recording the user, therapist, orother person with a microphone 64 on the wearable device 30. Thecontroller 66 records an audio track of the user from voice signalsoutput by the user, therapist, or other person, and received by themicrophone 64, and then transforms the audio track into the output forthe one or more haptic generators 46. FIG. 9 illustrates the usercreating a waveform via the microphone 64. The waveform may also be asong selected by the user or therapist with the associated audio file(e.g., .mp3, .wav, etc.) being saved in the memory MEM of the controlsystem 62 for playback through the one or more haptic generators 46during the training mode. One suitable software program for creating andplaying such audio files is Audacity® 2.3.2 available throughwww.AudacityTeam.org. Suitable haptic generators 46 and controlstherefor that can be used with this software program to generate desiredwaveforms include those available from Boreas Technologies Inc.described above. In some versions, the same waveform may be employed formultiple users, or a unique waveform may be employed for each user. Insome versions, the user may be able to select one from a plurality ofpossible waveforms via the user interface UI.

Once the therapy mode has been enabled, e.g., the training mode iscomplete, then the controller 66 is configured to provide therapy to theuser in the therapy mode by activating the one or more haptic generators46 in the same predetermined pattern used in the training mode inresponse to input from a therapy trigger. The thermal elements 48 mayalso be activated to bring the user's skin temperature to the samepredetermined temperature that was used in the training mode. Thetherapy mode is intended to bring the user back into a relaxed stateshould the user experience a physiological state caused by stress and/oranxiety. The therapy mode employs the same predetermined pattern ofhaptic output and/or skin temperature so that one or more physiologicalparameters of the user change (lower or rise) to those levels that werepresent during training, e.g., when relaxed. In other words, since thetraining mode occurs during periods of relaxation, the intent of thetherapy mode is to elicit a response from the user that brings themcloser to the same relaxation they experienced during the trainingsessions.

A therapy session may be initiated/stopped by the user or by a therapistvia the user interface (e.g., via a start/stop therapy mode icon on thetouchscreen or button). In this case, the therapy trigger comprises auser input device (e.g., touchscreen, sensor, button, etc.) thattransmits user input to the controller 66 via the user interface UI. Insome cases, the training mode start/stop icon or button automaticallychanges to the therapy mode start/stop icon or button once training iscomplete—and the therapy mode start/stop icon or button then becomes thetherapy trigger. One or more therapy triggers may activate a therapysession. Referring briefly back to FIG. 2, one of the therapy triggersis shown by an icon IC on the touchscreen 38 of the display unit 34.When the icon IC is touched by the user, an input signal is sent to thecontroller 66 indicating that a therapy session is to be activated.Thereafter, therapy begins as set forth, for example, in one or more ofthe several embodiments described herein. For instance, the repeatingwaveform may be output by the one or more haptic generators 46 for apredetermined duration, or until the user stops the therapy session viathe user interface UI. During therapy, the user's skin temperature mayalso be raised to a predetermined therapy temperature.

A therapy session may additionally, or alternatively, beinitiated/stopped automatically in response to one or more physiologicalparameters of the user reaching, falling below, or exceeding certainthresholds. In this case, the therapy trigger comprises one or moresensors selected from the optical sensors 54, the pressure sensors 58,temperature sensors 59, the ECG sensors 60, EEG sensors, blood oxygensensors, or other suitable sensors. The one or more sensors that aremonitored to trigger the therapy session may measure heart rate, bloodpressure, skin temperature, ECG signals, EEG signals, blood oxygen,combinations thereof, and the like. A therapy session may be triggeredautomatically in response to any one or more of the user's heart rate,skin temperature, blood pressure, EEG signals, and ECG signals reachingor exceeding a threshold, the user's blood oxygen levels reaching orfalling below a threshold, combinations thereof, or the like. In someversions, a therapy session may be triggered in response to one or morephysiological parameters changing quickly (e.g., a 10% increase/decreasein 1 second, a 20% increase/decrease in 5 seconds, etc.). Rapid rates ofchange for some physiological parameters may be an indicator of acutestress or anxiety that can be treated by the therapy methods describedherein. In some cases, the thresholds may be discrete values or rangesof values. For example, the therapy session may be initiatedautomatically upon the controller 66 detecting the user's heart ratereaching or exceeding a threshold (e.g., reaching or exceeding 100 beatsper minute, reaching or exceeding 90 beats per minute, reaching orexceeding 75 beats per minute, reaching or exceeding 70 beats perminute, etc.) and/or the therapy session may be automatically stoppedupon the controller 66 detecting one or more physiological parameters ofthe user reaching, falling below, or exceeding certain thresholds (maybe the same or different thresholds than those that initiate the therapysession). For example, the therapy session may be stopped automaticallyupon the controller 66 detecting the user's heart rate reaching orfalling below a threshold (e.g., reaching or falling below 100 beats perminute, 90 beats per minute, 75 beats per minute, 70 beats per minute,etc.).

The thresholds may be user-specific and/or set by the therapist based ontypical values of the user. The wearable device 30 may also learn thethresholds in a learning mode that occurs before the training mode. Inthe learning mode, the wearable device 30 may monitor the user for apredetermined duration, e.g., one day, one week, etc. and may thendefine the thresholds based on averages (e.g., average heart rate,average blood pressure, etc.), based on low values, based on highvalues, based on predetermined offsets from the low values or the highvalues, based on look-up tables for similar users or groups of users,and the like. The therapy sessions may last a few seconds, one minute,two minutes, five minutes, or longer, depending on the user's ortherapist's input, how long it takes for the user's physiologicalparameters to reach, fall below, or exceed the thresholds, etc.Automatic triggering of a therapy session based on one or morethresholds may also take into account movement of the user. Suchmovement can be detected by an accelerometer AM built into the wearablesupport 32 and/or the display unit 34. The accelerometer can detectmovements of the user typically associated with walking, running,biking, or other exercising, and can prevent the wearable device 30 fromotherwise triggering a therapy session during such events. For instance,if the wearable device 30 is set to trigger a therapy session any timethe user's heart rate exceeds 90 beats per minute, the controller 66 canbe programmed to monitor movements of the user and if the user's heartrate is found to exceed 90 beats per minute, but the controller 66determines that the user is moving in a manner consistent with exercise(high acceleration values over long duration, etc.), then the controller66 may inhibit initiation of a therapy session until the user's heartrate falls back below the threshold and the accelerometer indicates thatthe user is relatively sedentary.

In some versions, the wearable device 30 is programmed to provide haptictherapy and/or thermal therapy without any required training of theuser, i.e., without a training mode. For example, the haptic generators46 may simply be triggered to operate in a predetermined pattern inresponse to the therapy trigger being activated, i.e., via manual inputor through measurements by the one or more sensors. Automatic triggeringof therapy may be useful to cause the user to pause a moment whencertain physiological parameters are rising or falling so that theybecome mindful of the situation. For example, therapy may be triggeredautomatically in response to any one or more of the user's heart rate,skin temperature, blood pressure, EEG signals, and ECG signals reachingor exceeding a threshold, the user's blood oxygen level reaching orfalling below a threshold, combinations thereof, or the like. In somecases, such therapy may simply be automated responses to changingphysiological parameters that bring the user back into a present stateof mind (e.g., mindfulness) and thereafter, the user may be able toemploy manual relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing techniques) to calmtheir body and control the levels of the physiological parameters beingmeasured. In some cases, the haptic generators 46 may be operated withwaveforms having initially high amplitudes to achieve large vibrationsto get the user's attention quickly.

In some versions, the wearable device 30 is programmed to automaticallyenable operation of the haptic generators 46 when the wearable support32 is attached to the display unit 34, e.g., by virtue of theidentification device ID being read by the controller 66 (e.g., via aRFID reader on the display unit 34 or via the controller 66 on thedisplay unit 34 reading the unique identifier from non-volatile memoryon the wearable support 32). In some cases, the controller 66 may beprogrammed to automatically display/enable a user input device that canbe actuated by the user to initiate a therapy session. Referring back toFIG. 2, the controller 66 may be programmed to display the icon ICautomatically in response to the wearable support 32 being connected tothe display unit 34 by virtue of the electronic connections being madethrough one or more of the connectors 44 and the display unit 34determining the identification of the wearable support 32, i.e., thatthe wearable support 32 is one capable of providing such therapy.

Referring to FIGS. 10-15 another wearable device 130 is shown. Thisversion is similar to the wearable device 30 previously described, butthe one or more haptic output devices additionally, or alternatively,comprises a pressure-applying system 131 including a pressure-applyingbody. In the version shown in FIGS. 10-15, the pressure-applying bodycomprises a first inflatable bladder 84. As best shown in FIG. 13, thefirst inflatable bladder 84 is formed by first and second bladder layers86, 88 that are sealed together to form an inflatable region usingultrasonic welding, RF welding, adhesive, combinations thereof, and/orany other suitable method. The first and second bladder layers 86, 88may be sealed together about their outer peripheries to form theinflatable region. The first and second bladder layers 86, 88 areflexible and may be formed of inelastic, elastic, and/or semi-elasticmaterials. Such materials may include, for example, Kevlar, Viton,Neoprene, silicone, nitrile, nylon, polyurethanes, polyester,polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other suitable materials. Thefirst inflatable bladder 84 may have a predefined shape and size wheninflated, or may stretch when inflated, or portions of the firstinflatable bladder may stretch, while others are substantiallyinelastic. In some versions, the second bladder layer 88 issubstantially inelastic, while the first inflatable bladder layer 86 issubstantially elastic or semi-elastic. In some versions, both thebladder layers 86, 88 are substantially inelastic so that the firstinflatable bladder 84 forms a predefined shape and size when fullyinflated (e.g., to a predefined inflation pressure). In some versions,the first inflatable bladder 84, when fully inflated, is inflated to aninterior volume of less than thirty cubic centimeters. In some versions,the first inflatable bladder 84, when fully inflated, is inflated to aninterior volume of less than twenty cubic centimeters. In some versions,the first inflatable bladder 84, when fully inflated, is inflated to aninterior volume of less than ten cubic centimeters. In some versions,when fully inflated, the first inflatable bladder 84 has an interiorvolume of less than three cubic centimeters.

The first inflatable bladder 84 may be disposed between the firstflexible layer 74 and the second flexible layer 76. The first inflatablebladder 84 may be located beneath the flex circuit 78 and aligned withthe sensor housing 57 such that the sensor housing 57 (and associatedsensors 54/light sources 56) moves with inflation/deflation of the firstinflatable bladder 84. The first inflatable bladder 84 may be attachedto the first flexible layer 74, the second flexible layer 76, and/or theflex circuit 78 via adhesive, stitching, ultrasonic welding,radiofrequency (RF) welding, tape, or the like, or may be loosely placedbetween the flexible layers 74, 76. Each of the flexible layers 74, 76has an outwardly extending section 74 a, 76 a, as shown in FIG. 13, toaccommodate the first inflatable bladder 84. The flexible layers 74, 76may be attached about their outer peripheries, including the outerperipheries of the outwardly extending sections 74 a, 76 a, using one ormore of the attachment methods described, or using any suitableattachment method.

A second pressure-applying body may also be used. In the version shownin FIGS. 10-15, the second pressure-applying body includes a secondinflatable bladder 90. The second inflatable bladder 90 is formed bythird and fourth bladder layers 92, 94. The second inflatable bladder 90may be disposed between the first and second flexible layers 74, 76, andbetween the first inflatable bladder 84 and the second flexible layer76. An intermediate bladder layer 96 having one or more through holes 98may be placed between the third and fourth bladder layers 92, 94. Thethird and fourth bladder layers 92, 94 are sealed together about theirouter peripheries to form an inflatable region using ultrasonic welding,RF welding, adhesive, combinations thereof, and/or any other suitablemethod. The intermediate bladder layer 96 may be sealed to the thirdbladder layer 92 and/or the fourth bladder layer 94, or may be looselyplaced between the third and fourth bladder layers 92, 94. Given thelength of the bladder layers 92, 94, 96, interior welds connecting thebladder layers 92, 94, 96, spaced inboard from their outer peripheries,may be provided to prevent ballooning of the second inflatable bladder90. The third and fourth bladder layers 92, 94, and the intermediatebladder layer 96 are flexible and may be formed of inelastic, elastic,and/or semi-elastic materials. Such materials may include, for example,Kevlar, Viton, Neoprene, silicone, nitrile, nylon, polyurethanes,polyester, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other suitablematerials. The second inflatable bladder 90 may have a predefined shapeand size when inflated, or may stretch when inflated, or portions of thesecond inflatable bladder 90 may stretch, while others are substantiallyinelastic. In some versions, the fourth bladder layer 94 issubstantially inelastic, while the third inflatable bladder layer 92 issubstantially elastic or semi-elastic. In some versions, both the thirdand fourth bladder layers 92, 94 are substantially inelastic so that thesecond inflatable bladder 90 forms a predefined shape and size whenfully inflated (e.g., to a predefined inflation pressure).

In some versions, the second inflatable bladder 90 is connected at onlyone end to the first flexible layer 74 and/or the second flexible layer76 such that inflation of the second inflatable bladder 90 allows freeelongation of the second inflatable bladder 90 relative to the first andsecond flexible layers 74, 76. The second inflatable bladder 90 maysubstantially surround, but not fully surround, the user's wrist W (asshown), but in some versions the second inflatable bladder 90 may fullysurround the user's wrist W. In some versions, the second inflatablebladder 90 has a length (in elongated direction of wrist band) sized tosurround at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or atleast 90% of the user's wrist (based on distance around the wrist). Thefirst inflatable bladder 84 may have a length sized to be less than 5centimeters, less than 4 centimeters, less than 3 centimeters, less than2 centimeters, or the like. In some versions, the first inflatablebladder 84, when fully inflated, is inflated to an interior volume ofless than sixty cubic centimeters. In some versions, the firstinflatable bladder 84, when fully inflated, is inflated to an interiorvolume of less than thirty cubic centimeters. In some versions, thesecond inflatable bladder 90, when fully inflated, is inflated to aninterior volume of less than twenty cubic centimeters. In some versions,when fully inflated, the second inflatable bladder 90 has an interiorvolume of less than ten cubic centimeters. In some versions, when fullyinflated, the second inflatable bladder 90 has an interior volume ofless than three cubic centimeters.

In some versions, the first flexible layer 74 is substantially elasticor semi-elastic to allow stretching during inflation of the firstinflatable bladder 84 and/or the second inflatable bladder 90, while thesecond flexible layer 76 is substantially inelastic or at least lesselastic than the first flexible layer 74, to inhibit stretching duringinflation of the first inflatable bladder 84 and/or the secondinflatable bladder 90. As a result, inflation of the first inflatablebladder 84 and/or the second inflatable bladder 90 would act to increasepressure against the user's wrist. For example, the first flexible layer74 may be formed of silicone, Neoprene, or rubber, and the secondflexible layer 76 may be formed of leather, metal, inelastic orsemi-elastic plastic material, or other suitable, substantiallyinelastic or semi-elastic materials. Substantially inelastic orsemi-elastic materials used for the second flexible layer 76, forexample, may have an Elongation at Break (ratio of changed length vs.initial length after breakage) of 20% or less, while elastic materialsused for the first flexible layer 74 may have an Elongation at Break of30% or more. ASTM D638 and ISO 527 test methods may be used to determinethe Elongation at Break of a material.

In the version shown, the first inflatable bladder 84 is situated abovethe second inflatable bladder 90 and is sized to extend along only aportion of the second inflatable bladder 90. The first inflatablebladder 84 is sized so that pressure on the wrist of the user islocalized to one side of the user's wrist, while the second inflatablebladder 90 is sized to substantially surround the user's wrist, ascompared to the first inflatable bladder 84. In some versions, the firstinflatable bladder 84 is arranged to be in proximity to an acupressurepoint of the user when the wearable support 32 is worn by the user. Insome versions, the first inflatable bladder 84 is arranged to be inproximity to acupressure point Pericardium 6 (P6) (also known as NeiGuan) of the user when the wearable support 32 is worn by the user.Location of the acupressure point P6 in a typical/average user is bestshown in FIG. 15D. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-15, the firstinflatable bladder 84 has an oblong shape, e.g., a length dimensiongreater than a width dimension, wherein the length dimension is directedto be in a direction of the user's arm so that the first inflatablebladder 84 is more likely to be adjacent to the acupressure point P6when the wrist band is worn by the user. In other words, gross locationof the wrist band about the user's wrist W is likely to properly locatethe first inflatable bladder 84 adjacent to the acupressure point P6. Insome versions, the inflatable bladder 84 may be offset from a centerlineof the wrist band to reach the acupressure point P6. In some versions,such as when the wearable device is a leg band, the first inflatablebladder 84 may be located to apply pressure to acupressure point ST36(also known as Stomach 36 or Zu San Li) to release gastrointestinaldiscomfort. The first inflatable bladder 84 and/or the second inflatablebladder 90 may also be configured to apply pressure to other acupressurepoints.

The controller 66 may be programmed to actuate (inflate) the firstinflatable bladder 84 to provide therapy to the user by placing pressureon the acupressure point P6 in response to the therapy trigger. In someversions, like that shown in FIGS. 10-15, the first inflatable bladder84 is separately inflatable from the second inflatable bladder 90.Accordingly, during therapy, the first inflatable bladder 84 may beinflated, while the second inflatable bladder 90 remains uninflated. Insome versions, during therapy, both the first inflatable bladder 84 andthe second inflatable bladder 90 are inflated to predetermined pressures(same pressure or different pressures). In some versions, the controller66 is operable to actuate the first inflatable bladder 84 and/or thesecond inflatable bladder 90 in response to activation of the therapytrigger during a therapy session in which the first inflatable bladder84 and/or the second inflatable bladder 90 are inflated/deflated in arepeated pattern and/or to predetermined therapy pressures. In someversions, the wearable device 130 provides therapy to the user withoutrequiring any training mode. This may be useful, for example, to applypressure to the acupressure point P6 to treat nausea (e.g., experiencedduring pregnancy, sea sickness, etc.) or to treat anxiety. For example,if the user is experiencing symptoms of nausea, or expects nausea tooccur at known times during the day (e.g., morning sickness), or if theuser is planning to take a trip and experiences motion sickness (car,boat, plane, etc.), the user can manually trigger therapy to inflate thefirst inflatable bladder 84 (and possibly the second inflatable bladder90) to apply pressure onto the acupressure point P6 (and/or otheracupressure points) to treat or reduce the occurrence of nausea.Inflation of the first inflatable bladder 84, for example, could betriggered by the user tapping the icon IC on the touch screen 38 shownin FIG. 2. The first inflatable bladder 84 could then remain inflated,and the controller 66 could regulate its pressure to maintain a constantpressure, or to follow an inflation/deflation pattern, until the userstopped the therapy, such as by again tapping the icon IC.

Referring to FIG. 14, an inflator 100 is operatively coupled to thefirst inflatable bladder 84 and/or to the second inflatable bladder 90to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable bladders 84, 90. The inflator100 may comprise a motor and air pump 102 to move air into and/or out ofthe inflatable bladders 84, 90. The inflator 100 is shown disposed in ainflator housing 105 that is attached and fixed to the second flexiblelayer 76 using an attachment method as previously described, or anysuitable attachment method (see FIG. 15A). The inflator 100 may beattached to the inflator housing 105. The inflator housing 105 may bemore rigid than the flexible layers 74, 76, and may be generally rigidor semi-rigid. The inflator housing 105 may be formed of plastic, metal,combinations thereof, or any other suitable material. The inflatorhousing 105 may comprise a base and a lid fixed to the base to enclosethe inflator 100 inside the inflator housing 105.

A first conduit 104 fluidly connects the inflator 100 to the firstinflatable bladder 84 and a second conduit 106 fluidly connects theinflator 100 to the second inflatable bladder 90. The conduits 104, 106pass through the inflator housing 105 into the inflatable bladders 84,90. The first conduit 104, as shown in FIG. 13, extends from theinflator housing 105 through an opening in the second flexible layer 76,through the third, fourth, and intermediate bladder layers 92, 94, 96(and sealed thereto to reduce air leakage), and connects about anopening 104 a to the second bladder layer 88 via an attachment method aspreviously described, or any suitable attachment method, to be able todirect air into and out of the inflatable region of the first inflatablebladder 84. The second conduit 106 extends from the inflator housing 105through another opening in the second flexible layer 76 and connects tothe fourth bladder layer 94 via an attachment method as previouslydescribed, or any suitable attachment method, to be able to direct airinto and out of the inflatable region of the second inflatable bladder90.

The conduits 104, 106 may be capable of stretching, may haveaccordion-shaped sections for elongation, or the like. The conduits 104,106 may be formed of any suitable material for holding air pressureand/or conveying air from the motor and air pump 102 to the inflatablebladders 84, 90. Such materials may include, for example, Kevlar, Viton,Neoprene, silicone, nitrile, nylon, polyurethanes, polyester,polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other suitable materials.

As shown in FIG. 14, one or more valves are connected to the firstconduit 104 and to the controller 66 to control inflation/deflation ofthe first inflatable bladder 84. For example, one valve 108 (e.g., athree-way solenoid valve) is connected to the first conduit 104 and thecontroller 66 so that the controller 66 is able to operate the valve 108in a first state which opens fluid communication between the inflator100 and the first inflatable bladder 84 (when valve 110 is open) and asecond state which opens fluid communication between the firstinflatable bladder 84 and atmosphere to deflate the first inflatablebladder 84. The valve 110 may be connected to the first conduit 104 andthe controller 66 so that the controller 66 can open/close fluidcommunication between inflator 100 and the first conduit 104, which maybe useful when separately inflating the second inflatable bladder 90(e.g., valve 110 can be closed). A similar set of valves are alsoconnected to the second conduit 106 and the controller 66 to controlinflation/deflation of the second inflatable bladder 90. Pressuresensors 58 are connected to the controller 66 and placed in fluidcommunication with the first inflatable bladder 84 and the secondinflatable bladder 90 to measure pressures in the bladders 84, 90.

These pressure sensors 58 may be used in conjunction with operation ofthe first inflatable bladder 84 and/or the second inflatable bladder 90to measure the user's blood pressure using oscillometric blood pressuremeasuring techniques. In some versions, only the second inflatablebladder 90 is inflated during a blood pressure measurement cycle. Forexample, the second inflatable bladder 90 may act as an inflatable cuffsubstantially surrounding the wrist W of the user with sufficientpressure to prevent blood flow in a local artery (e.g., about 20 mm Hgabove systolic pressure). The pressure is then gradually released usingthe solenoid valve 108 (e.g., digitally controlled by the controller 66)until blood begins to flow through the artery. More specifically, as thesecond inflatable bladder 90 is deflated below the user's systolicpressure, the reducing pressure exerted on the artery allows blood toflow through it and sets up a vibration in the arterial wall that can bedetected by the controller 66 using the pressure sensor 58 incommunication with the second inflatable bladder 90. The pressuremeasured by the pressure sensor 58 at this point determines the systolicpressure (pressure readings from one or multiple pressure sensors can beaveraged, or only a single pressure reading from one pressure sensor maybe used). Heart rate (pulse rate) is also sensed at this time. Ameasurement taken when the blood flow is no longer restricted determinesthe diastolic pressure. More specifically, when the pressure in thesecond inflatable bladder 90 falls below the user's diastolic pressure,blood flows smoothly through the artery in the usual pulses, without anyvibration in the arterial wall. This complete measurement cycle iscontrolled automatically by the controller 66. In some versions, thesignal from the pressure sensor 58 may be conditioned with aninstrumentation amplifier before data conversion by an analog-to-digitalconverter (ADC). The systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heartrate are then calculated in the digital domain using an algorithmappropriate for the type of sensor utilized. The resulting systolic,diastolic, and heart rate measurements may be displayed on the display36, time-stamped, and stored in the memory MEM (e.g., non-volatilememory).

Inflation of the inflatable bladders 84, 90 is shown in the progressionof FIGS. 15A-15C. In FIG. 15A, the inflatable bladders 84, 90 are shownuninflated and haptic feedback (haptic output) is being provided to theuser through the haptic generators 46 to alert the user that one or moreof the inflatable bladders 84, 90 is about to be inflated. Sinceinflation of the inflatable bladders 84, 90 will apply pressure on theuser's wrist W, it may be helpful to first alert the user of such anevent. This may be useful, for example, when the user's blood pressureis being measured periodically throughout the day, such as according toa preset schedule stored in the memory MEM and executed by thecontroller 66 to monitor and record several blood pressure readings ofthe user pursuant to the schedule. Such readings may be stored for laterretrieval by the user, physician, etc. and/or may be automaticallytransmitted via a communication link (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular)from the wearable device 30 to a network (e.g., the Internet, cloud,etc.). Accordingly, the controller 66 may be programmed to activate theone or more haptic generators 46 prior to inflating either or both ofthe bladders 84, 90. Other indications that inflation is about to occurmay additionally, or alternatively, be provided, e.g., audible, visual,etc. For instance, the display 36 may provide a visual indication(symbol, text, countdown timer, etc.) that inflation is going to occur,and/or the display unit 34 may comprise one or more speakers thataudibly alert the user that inflation is about to occur. FIG. 15B showsthe first inflatable bladder 84 being fully inflated and acting againstthe acupressure point P6 of the user. FIG. 15C shows both the firstinflatable bladder 84 and the second inflatable bladder 90 being fullyinflated and compressing the user's wrist W.

In some versions, the second inflatable bladder 90, the inflator 100,and the valve 108 and pressure sensor 58 associated with the secondinflatable bladder 90 define a first blood pressure measurement unitoperatively coupled to the wrist band to measure the blood pressure ofthe user. The optical sensors 54, light sources 56, pressure sensors 58,and ECG sensors 60 define a second blood pressure measurement unitoperatively coupled to the wrist band to measure the blood pressure ofthe user. Measuring blood pressure using optical methods may be subjectto drift and require calibration, e.g., via oscillometric methods.Accordingly, by providing two blood pressure measurement units on thesame wearable device (one optically-based and oneoscillometrically-based), calibration can be made easy. In theseversions, the controller 66 is operatively coupled to the first bloodpressure measurement unit and the second blood pressure measurementunit. The controller 66 operates in a normal mode to take one or moreblood pressure measurements of the user with the second blood pressuremeasurement unit, e.g., the optically-based blood pressure measurementunit—which may be less intrusive to the user since it does not requireinflating any inflatable bladders. The controller 66 operates in acalibration mode to take one or more blood pressure measurements withthe first blood pressure measurement unit to calibrate the second bloodpressure measurement unit. Such calibration may include providing anadjustment factor to the readings from the second blood pressuremeasurement unit. For example, blood pressure measurements may be madeby the controller 66 at substantially the same time using both the firstand second blood pressure measurement units with the measurements takenwith the second blood pressure measurement unit being adjusted to be thesame as the measurements taken with the first blood pressure measurementunit (e.g., by adjusting the systolic/diastolic pressures up/down asneeded). This adjustment factor may then be used for all futuremeasurements taken with the second blood pressure measurement unit untilthe next calibration event.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate another wearable device 230 that is similarto the wearable device 130 and includes the first inflatable bladder 84and the second inflatable bladder 90, but further includes a projection112 that is attached to the first flexible layer 74 to move withinflation/deflation of the first inflatable bladder 84 to localizepressure on the acupressure point P6 of the user. In this version, thesensor housing 57 has been replaced by the projection 112, which isattached to the first flexible layer 74 in the opening 80 using anattachment method as described herein, or any suitable attachmentmethod. In some versions, the sensors/light sources 54, 56, 58, 60 maybe placed inside the projection 112 to take measurements as previouslydescribed. The projection 112 may be formed of plastic (e.g., foam orthe like) and have a rounded head to apply pressure on the acupressurepoint P6 of the user. The head may also be referred to as a massagehead. The head may be semi-spherical in shape (e.g., ball-shaped) orfrustoconical in shape. Other shapes/materials for the head of theprojection 112 are possible.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate another wearable device 330 that is similarto the wearable device 130 and includes the first inflatable bladder 84and the second inflatable bladder 90, but further includes a hapticgenerator 46 a that is mounted to the flex circuit 78 to move withinflation/deflation of the first inflatable bladder 84 to provide haptictherapy on the acupressure point P6 of the user (e.g., via vibrations ofa predetermined magnitude, frequency, and/or duration, and/or aspreviously described herein). In this version, the sensor housing 57 hasbeen located adjacent to the haptic generator 46 a and the hapticgenerator 46 a that is intended to align with the acupressure point P6.This version may be useful, for example, to provide therapy to the userin the form of both inflating the first and/or second inflatablebladders 84, 90, and activating the one or more haptic generators 46,including the haptic generator 46 a in proximity to the acupressurepoint P6 of the user. Additional haptic generators 46 may be arranged onthe wearable support 32 to be in proximity to the acupressure point P6(or other acupressure point) of the user when the wearable support 32 isworn by the user.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate another wearable device 430 that employs alinear actuator 114 to apply pressure to the acupressure point P6 of theuser. The linear actuator 114 is connected to the controller 66 to beactivated by the controller 66. The linear actuator 114 has a base 116mounted to a rigid housing 118. The housing 118 is attached and fixed tothe second flexible layer 76 using an attachment method as previouslydescribed, or any suitable attachment method. A linearly-movable rod 120is extendable/retractable from the base 116. A pressure-applying body122 is fixed to one end of the rod 120 to move with the rod 120. Duringactuation of the linear actuator 114, the pressure-applying body 122 ismoved toward the acupressure point P6 to provide therapy to the user.The pressure-applying body 122 is shown beneath the sensor housing 57 tomove the sensor housing 57 to apply such pressure, but thepressure-applying body 122 may be in direct contact with the user'swrist in some versions, or located underneath flexible material of thewearable support 32 to protrude into the flexible material (e.g.,beneath a flexible layer). In some versions, the pressure-applying body122 may have a shape similar to the projection shown in FIG. 17, or mayhave a semi-spherical shape, or other shape. In some versions, the rod120 may act as the pressure-applying body and may be located beneath thesensor housing 57 to move the sensor housing 57 to apply such pressure,but the rod 120 may be in direct contact with the user's wrist in someversions, or located underneath flexible material of the wearablesupport 32 to protrude into the flexible material (e.g., beneath aflexible layer) to provide therapy.

FIGS. 20C and 20D illustrate a variation of the wearable device 430 thatemploys a rotary actuator 114 a to apply pressure to the acupressurepoint P6 of the user. The rotary actuator 114 a is connected to thecontroller 66 to be activated by the controller 66. The rotary actuator114 a is mounted to a rigid housing 118 a. The housing 118 a is attachedand fixed to the second flexible layer 76 using an attachment method aspreviously described, or any suitable attachment method. The rotaryactuator 114 a comprises a motor 116 a (e.g., a 3V, reversible DC motor)that is mounted to the housing 118 a and a rotationally-movable cam 120a connected to a drive shaft of the motor 116 a to rotate relative tothe housing 118 a. A pressure-applying body 122 a is attached and fixedto the sensor housing 57 to move with actuation of the cam 120 a. Duringactuation of the rotary actuator 114 a, as shown in FIG. 20D, the cam120 a has a cammed portion 121 a that rotates toward the acupressurepoint P6 to move the pressure-applying body 122 a and the sensor housing57 to apply such pressure, but the pressure-applying body 122 a may bein direct contact with the user's wrist in some versions, or locatedunderneath flexible material of the wearable support 32 to protrude intothe flexible material (e.g., beneath a flexible layer). In someversions, the cam 120 a may act as the pressure-applying body and may belocated beneath the sensor housing 57 to move the sensor housing 57 toapply such pressure, but the cam 120 a may be in direct contact with theuser's wrist in some versions, or located underneath flexible materialof the wearable support 32 to protrude into the flexible material (e.g.,beneath a flexible layer) to provide therapy.

FIG. 21A illustrates another wearable device 530 that comprises thewearable support 32 and a haptic generator 46. In this version, thewearable support 32 includes an elastic wrist band that completelyencircles the user's wrist. The haptic generator 46 is connected to thecontroller 66 to provide therapy to the user, such as providing one ormore of the haptic therapies previously described. For instance, thehaptic generator 46 may be activated to output a repeating patternand/or may be activated to generally vibrate against the acupressurepoint P6 to calm the user. In this version, the controller 66 is locatedon the wearable support 32 in a housing 124 fixed to the wrist band. Thehaptic generator 46 is disposed in an enclosure 126 of the housing 124.In some versions, the haptic generator 46 may be attached to the housing124 and exposed outside of the housing 124 to be in direct contact withthe user when the wearable support 32 is worn by the user. In otherversions, the haptic generator 46 may be captured between the flexiblelayers 74, 76 such that vibrations from the haptic generator 46 are ableto be felt/sensed by the user. In some versions, a band tensioner 128,described further below can be employed to first tighten the wrist bandabout the user's wrist W to a predetermined tension (which can bemeasured by any suitable pressure sensor, strain gauge, or the likeconnected to the controller 66). Thereafter, the haptic generator 46 canbe activated for therapy.

FIG. 21B shows another wearable device 530 a, similar to the wearabledevice 530, but in this case a second haptic generator 46 a is attachedto the flexible layer 76 (and in some versions, captured between theflexible layers 74, 76, opposite the haptic generator 46). The secondhaptic generator 46 a is connected to the controller 66 (see wiredconnection through flexible layer 76) to provide therapy to the user byproviding haptic therapy to another acupressure point SJ5 (also referredto as San Jiao 5 or triple warmer 5) on the opposite side of the user'swrist W from the acupressure point P6. In some forms of therapy, boththe haptic generators 46, 46 a are activated simultaneously to vibrateagainst the two acupressure points P6, SJ5. In some versions, the bandtensioner 128, described further below, can be employed to first tightenthe wrist band about the user's wrist W to a predetermined tension(which can be measured by any suitable pressure sensor, strain gauge, orthe like connected to the controller 66). Thereafter, the hapticgenerators 46, 46 a can be activated for therapy. The haptic generators46, 46 a can be activated simultaneously, sequentially, in the samerepeating pattern, in different repeating patterns, combinationsthereof, and the like. In some versions, as shown in FIG. 21C, thehaptic output devices comprise inflatable bladders 84, both similar tothe first inflatable bladder 84 described above. In this case, theinflatable bladders 84 can be inflated to apply pressure against theacupressure point P6 and the acupressure point SJ5 to provide pressuretherapy to the user. Separate inflators 100 could be used toinflate/deflate the inflatable bladders 84, or a single inflator 100with a conduit connecting both the inflatable bladders 84 could be used.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the band tensioner 128 that can beused with any of the wearable devices. The band tensioner 128 comprisesa rigid tensioner housing 133 and a pair of winders or drums 132 onwhich opposing ends 134 of the wrist band can be fixed and on which thewrist band can be wound/unwound. As the drums 132 rotate, the wrist bandwinds or unwinds on the drums 132 and changes length, thereby tighteningor loosening the wrist band when placed on the user's wrist. A motor 136operates each of the drums 132. The motors 136 have motor housings fixedto the tensioner housing 133. The drums 132 are rotatably mounted to thetensioner housing 133 to rotate relative to the tensioner housing 133 toincrease or reduce tension in the wrist band. The tensioner housing 133may be open at each end or have slots 138 to receive the wrist band andguide the wrist band with respect to the drums 132. In some versions,the wrist band, by virtue of the band tensioner 128 acts as apressure-applying body. In some versions, other mechanisms are employedto tighten or loosen the wrist band, such as gears that have a rack-typeengagement with the wrist band, frictional mechanisms that pull/releasethe wrist band, linear actuators that pull/extend one or both ends ofthe wrist band relative to a housing, electronic solenoids connected toone or both ends of the wrist band, and the like.

FIG. 23 shows the band tensioner 128 being integrated into the wearabledevice 130 of FIGS. 10-15 to control tension on the second flexiblelayer 76. In some versions, the band tensioner 128 may be controlled bythe controller 66 in a cooperative manner to provide therapy to the userand/or to take measurements of one or more physiological parameters ofthe user. One or more of the pressure sensors 58, strain gages SG, orother type of tension sensor connected to the controller 66 (wired orwirelessly), may be used to measure tension of the wrist band on theuser's wrist to determine how much to wind/unwind the wrist band via theband tensioner 128. See, for example, the strain gages SG shown in FIG.23. When taking blood pressure measurements, it may be desirable tofirst tighten the wrist band on the user's wrist to a firstpredetermined pressure/tension before inflating the first inflatablebladder 84 and/or the second inflatable bladder 90. Inflation may alsooccur before tensioning and/or simultaneously therewith. The combinationof tensioning the wrist band via the band tensioner 128 and inflation ofthe first and/or second inflatable bladders 84, 90 can be helpful toensure pressure capable of shutting off blood flow in the local artery.Tightening and loosening of the wrist band can also provide hapticfeedback to the user in the training and therapy modes previouslydescribed. Tightening and loosening of the wrist band may also providehaptic therapy in response to elevated/lowered physiological parameters,etc., as previously described. Tightening of the wrist band can alsoassist in placing the one or more haptic output devices against theuser's skin.

FIG. 24 illustrates another wearable device 630 comprising hapticgenerators 46, thermal elements 48, optical sensors 54, light emittingdiodes 56, temperature sensor 59, and EEG sensors 140 (other sensors aspreviously described may also be present). The EEG sensors 140 areintegrated into a wearable support 632 in the form of a headband 642that is connected to a pair of earpieces 644. The haptic generators 46are mounted to the earpieces 644 and spaced along the earpieces 644 tobe positioned against a side of the user's head adjacent to their earsand acupressure points surrounding the user's ear. The haptic generators46, thermal elements 48, optical sensors 54, light emitting diodes 56,and other sensors (not shown) can be used as previously described.Additionally, the controller 66 may be integrated into one of theearpieces 644 and a port 146 (USB, USB-C, etc.) may be used to connectthe wearable device 630 (may be present on any of the wearable devices)to a computer. A user interface UI including one or more user inputdevices may also be located on the earpiece 644 to operate the wearabledevice 630.

In this version, the EEG sensors 140 additionally measure one or morebrainwaves (see FIG. 25) of the user and can determine whether the useris in a relaxed state or a state of elevated stress or anxiety. Duringtherapy, the haptic generators 46 can be activated in sequence, e.g.,from front to back, to provide therapy to the user. The sequence mayinclude at least one haptic generator 46 being active at all times togenerate haptic output, or there may be pauses between activation of thenext haptic generator 46 in the sequence. Possible sequences may alsoinclude waves of activation, e.g., repeated activation of the hapticgenerators 46 from front to back, back to front, combinations thereof,and the like. These patterns may be utilized for purposes of trainingand therapy, as previously described, or for other purposes. Thecontroller 66 may be configured to activate the plurality of hapticgenerators 46 in a predetermined sequence in which two or more of theplurality of haptic generators 46 are activated at different levels, atdifferent times, or at different levels and different times. Activationof the haptic generators 46 may also replicate a therapist following ameridian of the user by sequentially activating (and deactivating) thehaptic generators 46 to mimic a therapist's finger tracing around theuser's ear as shown in the illustration of FIG. 25A to follow the user'smeridians, such as the triple warmer meridian TWM. Such activation anddeactivation may occur one time or a plurality of times over theduration of therapy.

FIG. 27 illustrates another wearable device 730 comprising hapticgenerators 46, thermal elements 48, optical sensors 54, and lightemitting diodes 56 (other sensors as previously described may also bepresent). The haptic generators 46 are mounted to earpieces 744connected by a flexible head band 742 and spaced about the earpieces 744to be positioned against a side of the user's head adjacent to theirears and acupressure points surrounding the user's ear. The hapticgenerators 46, thermal elements 48, optical sensors 54, light emittingdiodes 56, and other sensors (not shown) can be used as previouslydescribed. Additionally, the controller 66 may be integrated into one ofthe earpieces 744 and a port 146 (USB, USB-C, etc.) may be used toconnect the wearable device 630 (may be present on any of the wearabledevices) to a computer. A user interface UI including one or more userinput devices may also be located on the earpiece 744 to operate thewearable device 730. The wearable device 730 may be headphones for alsoplaying sounds (e.g., with speakers), in addition to providing the othertherapeutic functions described herein.

During therapy, the haptic generators 46 can be activated in sequence,e.g., from front to back, to provide therapy to the user. The sequencemay include at least one haptic generator 46 being active at all timesto generate haptic output, or there may be pauses between activation ofthe next haptic generator 46 in the sequence. Possible sequences mayalso include waves of activation, e.g., repeated activation of thehaptic generators 46 from front to back, back to front, combinationsthereof, and the like. These patterns may be utilized for purposes oftraining and therapy, as previously described, or for other purposes.The controller 66 may be configured to activate the plurality of hapticgenerators 46 in a predetermined sequence in which two or more of theplurality of haptic generators 46 are activated at different levels, atdifferent times, or at different levels and different times. Activationof the haptic generators 46 may also replicate a therapist following ameridian of the user by sequentially activating (and deactivating) thehaptic generators 46 to mimic a therapist's finger tracing around theuser's ear as shown in the illustration of FIG. 25A to follow the user'smeridians, such as the triple warmer meridian TWM. Such activation anddeactivation may occur one time or a plurality of times over theduration of therapy.

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate another wearable device 830 that comprises thewearable support 32 and a haptic generator 46. In this version, thewearable support 32 includes a wrist band that completely encircles theuser's wrist that may be elastic, semi-elastic, inelastic, combinationsthereof, or the like, and able to stretch or be adjusted to fit to mostusers. The haptic generator 46 is connected to the controller 66 toprovide therapy to the user, such as providing one or more of the haptictherapies previously described. For instance, the haptic generator 46may be activated to output a repeating pattern and/or may be activatedto generally vibrate against the acupressure point P6 to calm the user,provide nausea relief, or the like. In this version, the controller 66is located on the wearable support 32 in a housing 124 fixed to thewrist band. The haptic generator 46 is disposed in an enclosure 126 ofthe housing 124 (e.g., in a boss portion of the housing 124 that extendsupwardly from a main portion of the housing 124). In some versions, thehaptic generator 46 may be attached to the housing 124 and exposedoutside of the housing 124 to be in direct contact with the user whenthe wearable support 32 is worn by the user. The haptic generator 46 andany other electronic components may be sealed in the housing 124 toprevent water intrusion. In other versions, the haptic generator 46 maybe captured between the flexible layers 74, 76 such that vibrations fromthe haptic generator 46 are able to be felt/sensed by the user. In someversions, a band tensioner 128, described above can be employed to firsttighten the wrist band about the user's wrist W to a predeterminedtension (which can be measured by any suitable pressure sensor, straingauge, or the like connected to the controller 66). Thereafter, thehaptic generator 46 can be activated for therapy.

A projection 112 in the form of a massage head, such as a separatedome-shaped cap, is connected to the housing 124, such as around theenclosure 126. The projection 112 extends from the wrist band to applypressure on the acupressure point P6 of the user's wrist W when thewrist band is worn by the user and properly positioned so that theprojection 112 is applying pressure to the acupressure point P6. Theprojection 112 may be spherically-shaped, hemi-spherically shaped, orhave any suitable shape for engaging the user's skin. The projection 112may have a smooth arcuate portion 113 that is located to engage theuser's skin. In some versions, multiple projections 112 may be providedto engage the user's skin. See FIGS. 28A and 28B, for example, whichshows an array of multiple projections 112 with integrated posts 832 andheads 834 having snap-fit features (e.g., snap-fit protrusions, or maybe semi-spherical heads, as shown in FIG. 28C). The snap-fit featuresengage openings in a separate retainer plate 837 that secures thehousing 124 and the projections 112 to the wrist band by virtue of theprojections 112 being fixed to the housing 124. The projections 112 areshaped to penetrate through openings in the wrist band to engage andsecure the retainer plate 837. The one or more projections 112 may besubstantially rigid compared to the wrist band, and be formed ofplastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like. In some cases, a layer875, such as a soft fabric layer, silicone layer, a low friction coatinglayer (e.g., Teflon), etc. may be placed over the projection 112 to actas a skin interface between the projection 112 and the user's skin. SeeFIG. 28E, for example. The projections 112 may be connected to the wristband and/or the housing 124 in any suitable manner, including welding,adhesive, fasteners, sewing, heat staking, or the like.

In the version shown in FIG. 29, a post 832 extends upwardly from theenclosure 126 in which the haptic generator 46 resides. In the versionshown, the post 832 is fixed to the housing 124. A head 834, such as aspherical shaped-head, is connected to the post 832 and is sized to fitthrough an opening 836 in the projection 112 in a snap-fit manner (thehead 834 is slightly larger than the opening 836 to retain the head834). The haptic generator 46, during operation, causes vibration of thepost 832 and/or the head 834 to vibrate the one or more projections 112to provide haptic therapy to the acupressure point P6.

When the projection 112 is connected to the housing 124 (see FIG. 28),the one or more flexible layers 74, 76 are captured (trapped) betweenthe projection 112 and the housing 124. The post 832 and the head 834,which may be integrally formed together, are sized to fit through a holeor opening formed in the one or more flexible layers 74, 76 to furthersecure the housing 124 and the projection 112 to the one or moreflexible layers 74, 76. Capturing of the one or more layers 74, 76 isshown in FIG. 29. The projection 112 can be connected to the housing 124in any suitable manner, e.g., snap-fit, press-fit, fasteners, adhesive,or the like to connect the projection 112 and/or the housing 124 to theone or more flexible layers 74, 76. In some versions, the post 832 isfixed to the projection 112 and penetrates the flexible layers 74, 76 toconnect to the housing 124. Variations for connecting the housing 124and the one or more projections 112 to the wrist band are shown in FIGS.28A and 28C through 28E. The one or more flexible layers 74, 76 can becaptured between the projection 112 and the housing 124 and/or the oneor more flexible layers 74, 76 may be routed through the housing 124. Insome cases, ends of the one or more flexible layers 74, 76 are attachedthe housing 124 (e.g., via adhesive, fasteners, welding, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 29, the controller 66 may be connected to one or morehaptic generators 46 (shown as vibration motors in this version). Theuser interface UI in this version may comprise one or more buttons, suchas an “on” button 840 (an example of a therapy trigger) and/or an “off”button 842. The display of the user interface UI may be configured todisplay the current state of the wearable device 830. The one or morehaptic generators 46 may be disposed in the enclosure 126 in proximityto the projection 112 to cause vibrations of the projection 112, thepost 832, and/or the head 834. These vibrations provide haptic therapy(vibration therapy) to the user by focusing such energy on theacupressure point P6 on the wrist W of the user. The haptic therapy maybe controlled in any suitable manner, including in any of the waysdescribed herein to provide relief to the user.

In some versions, a temperature sensor 59 (e.g., a thermocouple) may bedisposed in the head 834 and routed through the post 832 to measure askin temperature of the user. The display may then be configured todisplay the measured temperature. Any suitable type of temperaturesensor 59 may be employed, e.g., infrared thermometer, thermocouple,thermistor, or the like. An alarm may be generated by the controller 66in response to the temperature measured exceeding a predeterminedthreshold, such as 100 degrees, 101 degrees, 101.4 degrees, or the like.The alarm may be audible, tactile, visual, or the like. The displaycould display the visual alarm. A speaker 844, coupled to the controller66, could provide the audible alarm. The one or more haptic generators46 could provide the tactile alarm. The benefit of the tactile alarm isthat the user will know that their temperature has exceeded thethreshold, but without alarming surrounding persons. Additional sensors,such as any of those previously described, could also be placed in thehead 834 and their measurements shown on the display. Such temperaturemeasurement functionality could be employed in any of the wearabledevices disclosed herein.

FIG. 30 illustrates one possible circuit 850 that could form thecontroller 66 of the wearable device 830. In this circuit 850, the “on”and “off” buttons 840, 842 are momentary contact switches connected to atimer circuit, such as that provided by a 555 timer integrated circuit555IC. Resistors 852 (e.g., 47K resistors) are connected on linesleading to the buttons 840, 842. One or more batteries BT provide powerfor the circuit 850. The one or more batteries BT may be a 3V coin cellbattery, a 9V battery, or the like. The 555 timer integrated circuit555IC is designed to provide power to the output for a predeterminedperiod of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) and thenautomatically shutoff power to the output. In this case, the “off”button 842 acts merely as a reset in case the user wishes to discontinuepowering the output before the time period set by the circuit 850 hasexpired. The output may be used to power the one or more hapticgenerators 46, the temperature sensor 59, and/or the other sensors, thedisplay, and the like. The time period set for the circuit 850 isdependent on the value of the resistor 856 and the capacitor 858, e.g.,t=1.1×R×C.

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate another wearable device 930 that comprises thewearable support 32 and a haptic generator 46. In this version, thewearable support 32 includes a wrist band that completely encircles theuser's wrist that may be elastic, semi-elastic, inelastic, combinationsthereof, or the like, and able to stretch or be adjusted to fit to mostusers. In this version, the controller 66 includes a circuit 950 (seeFIG. 34). The haptic generator 46 is connected to the controller 66 toprovide therapy to the user, such as providing one or more of the haptictherapies previously described. For instance, the haptic generator 46may be activated to generally vibrate against the acupressure point P6to calm the user, provide nausea relief, or the like. In this version,the controller 66 is located on the wearable support 32 in a housing 124fixed to the wrist band. The haptic generator 46 is disposed in anenclosure 126 of the housing 124 (e.g., in a boss portion integral witha main portion of the housing 124 that extends upwardly from the mainportion of the housing 124). In some versions, the housing 124 is formedof plastic and may be compact in size, e.g., just sized slightly largerthan a coin cell battery. In the version shown, the housing 124 has athickness T of 0.5 inches or less and a maximum length/width dimensionof 1.25 inches (e.g., diameter D). In some versions, the thickness isfrom 0.2 to 0.5 inches, from 0.2 to 0.4 inches, or the like, and themaximum length/width dimension is from 0.6 to 1.0 inches, from 0.6 to0.9 inches, or the like.

In some versions, the haptic generator 46 may be attached to the housing124 and exposed outside of the housing 124 to be in direct contact withthe user when the wearable support 32 is worn by the user. In otherversions, the haptic generator 46 may be captured between the flexiblelayers 74, 76 such that vibrations from the haptic generator 46 are ableto be felt/sensed by the user. In some versions, a band tensioner 128,described above can be employed to first tighten the wrist band aboutthe user's wrist W to a predetermined tension (which can be measured byany suitable pressure sensor, strain gauge, or the like connected to thecontroller 66). Thereafter, the haptic generator 46 can be activated fortherapy.

A projection 112 in the form of a massage head, such as a separatedome-shaped cap, is connected to the housing. The projection 112 extendsfrom the wrist band to apply pressure on the acupressure point P6 of theuser's wrist W when the wrist band is worn by the user and properlypositioned so that the projection 112 is applying pressure to theacupressure point P6. The projection 112 may be spherically-shaped,hemi-spherically shaped, or have any suitable shape for engaging theuser's skin. The projection 112 may have a smooth portion 115 (arcuate,flat, or the like) that is located to engage the user's skin. In someversions, multiple projections 112 may be provided to engage the user'sskin. The projection 112 may be substantially rigid compared to thewrist band, and be formed of plastic, such as high-density polyethylene(HDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.In some cases, a layer 875 (see FIG. 28E), such as a soft fabric layer,silicone layer, a low friction coating layer (e.g., Teflon), etc. may beplaced over the projection 112 to act as a skin interface between theprojection 112 and the user's skin. The projections 112 may be connectedto the wrist band and/or the housing 124 in any suitable manner,including welding, adhesive, fasteners, sewing, heat staking, or thelike.

In the version shown in FIGS. 31-33, a post 932 extends upwardly fromthe enclosure 126 in which the haptic generator 46 resides. In theversion shown, the post 932 is fixed to the housing 124. An enlargedportion 934, such as a spherical shaped-portion, is connected to thepost 932 (e.g., integrally formed therewith) and is sized to fit throughan opening 936 in the projection 112 in a snap-fit manner. The opening936 is formed by a radially inwardly projecting flange 937. The enlargedportion 934 is slightly larger than the opening 936 to retain the post932 once the snap-fit connection is made. The haptic generator 46,during operation, causes vibration of the post 932 and/or the enlargedportion 934 to vibrate the one or more projections 112 to provide haptictherapy to the acupressure point P6.

When the projection 112 is connected to the housing 124 (see FIG. 31),the one or more flexible layers 74, 76 are captured (trapped) betweenthe projection 112 and the housing 124. The post 932 and the enlargedportion 934, which may be integrally formed together, are sized to fitthrough a hole or opening formed in the one or more flexible layers 74,76 to further secure the housing 124 and the projection 112 to the oneor more flexible layers 74, 76. Such hole/opening may be formedseparately or may be present in the flexible layers 74, 76, such as whenthe flexible layers 74, 76 are woven. Capturing of the one or morelayers 74, 76 is shown in FIG. 32. The projection 112 can be connectedto the housing 124 in any suitable manner, e.g., snap-fit, press-fit,fasteners, adhesive, or the like to connect the projection 112 and/orthe housing 124 to the one or more flexible layers 74, 76. In someversions, the post 932 is fixed to the projection 112 and penetrates theflexible layers 74, 76 to connect to the housing 124. Variations forconnecting the housing 124 and the one or more projections 112 to thewrist band are also contemplated. The one or more flexible layers 74, 76can be captured between the projection 112 and the housing 124 and/orthe one or more flexible layers 74, 76 may be routed through the housing124. In some cases, ends of the one or more flexible layers 74, 76 areattached the housing 124 (e.g., via adhesive, fasteners, welding, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 32, one or more batteries BT may be connected to one ormore haptic generators 46 (shown as vibration motors in this version).The user interface UI in this version may comprise one or more buttons,such as an “on” button 941 (an example of a therapy trigger). The one ormore haptic generators 46 may be disposed in the enclosure 126 inproximity to the projection 112 to cause vibrations of the projection112, the post 932, and/or the enlarged portion 934. These vibrationsprovide haptic therapy (vibration therapy) to the user by focusing suchenergy on the acupressure point P6 on the wrist W of the user. Thehaptic therapy may be controlled in any suitable manner, including inany of the ways described herein to provide relief to the user.

FIG. 34 illustrates one possible circuit 950 that could form thecontroller 66 of the wearable device 930. In this circuit 950, the “on”button 941 is part of a momentary contact switch 940 that must beactively pressed by a user to connect power from the one or morebatteries

BT (e.g., a 3V coin battery) to the one or more haptic generators 46.Once released, the momentary contact switch 940 opens the circuit 950and the batteries BT cease providing power to the haptic generators 46.In some versions, the button 941 may be a touch sensor (e.g., acapacitive sensor) that operates in the same manner as a momentarycontact switch and only operates the haptic generator 46 when touched.Although not shown, one or more resistors may also be present in thecircuit 950, including a resistor between the haptic generator 46 andthe momentary contact switch 940. The one or more batteries BT providespower for the circuit 950. The one or more batteries BT may be a 3V coincell battery, a 4.5V battery, a 9V battery, or the like.

FIG. 35 shows another wearable device 930 a, similar to the wearabledevice 930, but in this case the same components shown previously inFIGS. 31-34 for treating the acupressure point P6 are attached to thewrist band at diametrically opposed positions, e.g., to provide haptictherapy to a top and bottom of the user's wrist W. In some versions, asecond haptic generator 46, one or more additional batteries BT, asecond housing 124, a second momentary contact switch 940 and associatedsecond button 941, a second projection 112, a second post 932, and asecond enlarged portion 934 are provided. The second haptic generator 46is connected to the second controller (e.g., the one or more additionalbatteries BT and the second button momentary contact switch 940) or maybe connected to the same controller through flexible layers 74, 76) toprovide therapy to the user by providing haptic therapy to anotheracupressure point SJ5 (also referred to as San Jiao 5 or triple warmer5) on the opposite side of the user's wrist W from the acupressure pointP6. In some forms of therapy, both the haptic generators 46 areactivated simultaneously to vibrate against the two acupressure pointsP6, SJ5. In some versions, the band tensioner 128, described above, canbe employed to first tighten the wrist band about the user's wrist W toa predetermined tension (which can be measured by any suitable pressuresensor, strain gauge, or the like connected to the controller 66).Thereafter, the haptic generators 46 can be activated for therapy. Thehaptic generators 46 can be activated simultaneously, sequentially, inthe same repeating pattern, in different repeating patterns,combinations thereof, and the like.

In the version shown in FIG. 35, separate buttons 941 are provided toactivate the two haptic generators 46. Also, in the version shown, theseare both parts of momentary contact switches and require constantactivation to operate the haptic generators 46, i.e., once released, themomentary contact switches open the circuits 950 and the batteries ceaseproviding power to the haptic generators 46. As a result, a smallerbattery, such as 3V coin cell batteries can be utilized and havesufficient life to power the wearable device 930 a since they onlyprovide therapy while the user is pressing the buttons 941. See, e.g.,the user's thumb and finger on their other hand H in FIG. 35simultaneously pressing both buttons 941. The buttons 941 can bearranged as shown to project radially outwardly from the wrist band inopposite directions to allow such one-handed operation of both thehaptic generators 46. The arrangement of the buttons 941 also results inthe user additional applying pressure directly toward the acupressurepoints P6, SJ5 to further provide therapy to the user. In some versions,the buttons 941 may be touch sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) thatoperate in the same manner as the momentary contact switches and onlyoperate the haptic generators 46 when touched.

FIG. 36 shows another wearable device 930 b, similar to the wearabledevice 930 a, but in this case the components used to treat theacupressure point SJ5 lacks the projection 112 and post 932. In thisversion, the enclosure 126 acts like the projection 112, albeit lesspronounced than the projection 112. In some versions the enclosure 126is removed and the housing 124 has a relatively flat or arcuate wallthat engages the wrist band in this location. In the various versions ofwearable devices shown herein for use with the user's wrist W, two suchdevices may be employed, one for each wrist W of the user.

FIG. 37 illustrates another wearable device 1030 comprising hapticgenerators 46, thermal elements 48, optical sensors 54, light emittingdiodes 56, temperature sensor 59, and EEG sensors 140 (other sensors aspreviously described may also be present). The EEG sensors 140 areintegrated into a wearable support 1032 in the form of a headband 1042.In this version, the headband 1042 completely encircles the head of theuser. The headband 1042 may be formed of elastic, semi-elastic, and/orinelastic material and may be formed of plastic, fabric, non-wovenfabric, woven fabric, neoprene, and/or any other suitable materials. Theheadband 1042 includes one or more earpieces 1044 (one shown) thatextend downwardly from a main portion of the headband 1042 to extendbehind the user's ear. There are one or more haptic generators 46mounted to the main portion of the headband 1042 extending from theuser's temple to the back of the user's ear and one or more hapticgenerators 46 extending downwardly behind the ear of the user. Twostrips of piezoelectric material are shown, but several strips may bepresent or separate haptic generators like those shown in FIG. 24. Thehaptic generators 46 are mounted to the main portion of the headband1042 and the earpiece 1044 to be positioned against a side of the user'shead adjacent to their ears and acupressure points surrounding theuser's ear. In some versions, the headband 1042 is formed of two or morelayers of flexible material 1074, 1076, much like flexible layers 74, 76and the haptic generators 46 are located between the flexible layers1074, 1076. The haptic generators 46, thermal elements 48, opticalsensors 54, light emitting diodes 56, and other sensors (not shown) canbe used as previously described. Additionally, the controller 66 may beintegrated into a forehead housing 1045 and a port 146 (USB, USB-C,etc.) may be used to connect the wearable device 1030 (may be present onany of the wearable devices) to a computer. The housing 1045 isconnected to the headband 1042 via a releasable connection, includingone or more magnetic connections, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or anyother suitable connection. The housing 1045 may also be fixed to theheadband 1042 in some versions, such as by fasteners, adhesive, or thelike. A user interface UI including one or more user input devices mayalso be located on the housing 1045 to operate the wearable device 1030and the housing 1045 may include other sensors, such as one or moreaccelerometers 1055, gyroscopes 1057, magnetometers, or the like todetect positions, velocities, and/or accelerations of the wearabledevice 1030 in one or more degrees of freedom.

In this version, the EEG sensors 140 additionally measure one or morebrainwaves (see FIG. 25) of the user and can determine whether the useris in a relaxed state or a state of elevated stress or anxiety. Duringtherapy, the haptic generators 46 can be activated in sequence, e.g.,from front to back, to provide therapy to the user. The sequence mayinclude at least one haptic generator 46 being active at all times togenerate haptic output, or there may be pauses between activation of thenext haptic generator 46 in the sequence. Possible sequences may alsoinclude waves of activation, e.g., repeated activation of the hapticgenerators 46 from front to back, back to front, combinations thereof,and the like. These patterns may be utilized for purposes of trainingand therapy, as previously described, or for other purposes. Thecontroller 66 may be configured to activate the plurality of hapticgenerators 46 in a predetermined sequence in which two or more of theplurality of haptic generators 46 are activated at different levels, atdifferent times, or at different levels and different times. Activationof the haptic generators 46 may also replicate a therapist following ameridian of the user by sequentially activating (and deactivating) thehaptic generators 46 to mimic a therapist's finger tracing around theuser's ear as shown in the illustration of FIG. 25A to follow the user'smeridians, such as the triple warmer meridian TWM (also referred to asSan Jiao meridian/channel). Such activation and deactivation may occurone time or a plurality of times over the duration of therapy.

FIGS. 38-40 illustrate another wearable device 1130 that comprises thewearable support 32 and one or more haptic generators 46 (only onehaptic generator 46 in the version shown). The wearable support 32includes a wrist band formed of one or more flexible layers 74, 76 (onlyone layer 74 in the version shown) that completely encircles the user'swrist that may be elastic, semi-elastic, inelastic, combinationsthereof, or the like, and able to stretch or be adjusted to fit to mostusers. In the version shown, the wrist band is formed of elastic fabricthat is cut in a single strip and its ends sewn together as shown. Thehaptic generator 46 is electrically connected to a battery BT (e.g., acoin cell battery or other form of battery BT) via a momentary contactswitch 1140 to provide therapy to the user, such as providing one ormore of the haptic therapies previously described. The momentary contactswitch 1140 may be a micro tactile switch, for example, and may beactivated by an integrated button or by a separate button, such as thebutton 1141 shown. The haptic generator 46 may be activated to generallyvibrate against the acupressure point P6, other acupressure points, orother anatomical sites to calm the user, provide nausea relief, or thelike.

In this version, the haptic generator 46, battery BT, and momentarycontact switch 1140 are substantially enclosed in a housing 124releasably coupled to the wrist band. In some versions, the housing 124is formed of plastic and may be compact in size, e.g., just sizedslightly larger than the battery BT. In the version shown, the housing124 has a thickness T of 0.5 inches or less and a maximum length/widthdimension of 1.5 inches, e.g., diameter D (see FIG. 39A). In someversions, the thickness is from 0.2 to 0.5 inches, from 0.2 to 0.4inches, or the like, and the maximum length/width dimension is from 0.6to 1.5 inches, from 0.6 to 1.0 inches, or the like. The housing 124includes a housing base 124 a with a bottom and a wall extendingupwardly therefrom to form a chamber for the electronic components and ahousing top 124 b connected to the housing base 124 a (e.g., via one ormore fasteners such as screws or bolts, via snap-fit, via welding oradhesive, combinations thereof, etc.). The chamber is shaped and sizedto receive the battery BT, which in this version may be a coin cellbattery.

In some versions, the haptic generator 46 may be attached to the housing124 and exposed outside of the housing 124 to be in direct contact withthe user when the wearable support 32 is worn by the user. In someversions, the haptic generator 46 may be captured between flexiblelayers 74, 76 such that vibrations from the haptic generator 46 are ableto be felt/sensed by the user. In some versions, a band tensioner 128,described above can be employed to first tighten the wrist band aboutthe user's wrist W to a predetermined tension (which can be measured byany suitable pressure sensor, strain gauge, or the like connected to thecontroller 66). Thereafter, the haptic generator 46 can be activated fortherapy.

A projection 112 in the form of a massage head, such as a separatedome-shaped cap, extends from the wrist band to apply pressure on theacupressure point P6 of the user's wrist W when the wrist band is wornby the user and properly positioned so that the projection 112 isapplying pressure to the acupressure point P6. The projection 112 may bespherically-shaped, hemi-spherically shaped, or have any suitable shapefor engaging the user's skin. The projection 112 may have a smoothportion 115 (arcuate, flat, or the like) that is located to engage theuser's skin. In some versions, multiple projections 112 may be providedto engage the user's skin. The projection 112 may be substantially rigidcompared to the wrist band, and be formed of plastic, such ashigh-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), or the like. In some cases, a layer, such as a softfabric layer, silicone layer, a low friction coating layer (e.g.,Teflon), etc. may be placed over the projection 112 to act as a skininterface between the projection 112 and the user's skin. Theprojections 112 may be connected to the wrist band and/or the housing124 in any suitable manner, including welding, adhesive, fasteners,sewing, heat staking, or the like.

In the version shown in FIGS. 38-40, a post 1132 extends upwardly from abase 1126. The post 1132 is fixed to the base 1126 (e.g., integrallyformed therewith). An enlarged portion 1134, such as a sphericalshaped-portion, bulbous portion, etc. is connected to the post 1132 andis sized to fit through an opening 1136 in the projection 112 in asnap-fit manner. The opening 1136 is formed by a radially inwardlyprojecting flange 1137 that is flexible to yield during snap-fitengagement. The enlarged portion 1134 is slightly larger than theopening 1136 to retain the post 1132 once the snap-fit connection ismade. The haptic generator 46, during operation, causes vibration of thepost 1132 and/or the enlarged portion 1134 to vibrate the one or moreprojections 112 to provide haptic therapy to the acupressure point P6.

When the projection 112 is connected to the base 1126 and post 1132 (seealso FIG. 39A), the flexible layer 74 is captured (trapped) between theprojection 112 and the base 1126. The post 1132 and the enlarged portion1134, which may be integrally formed together, are sized to fit througha hole or opening formed in the flexible layer 74 to secure theprojection 112 to the flexible layer 74. Such hole/opening may be formedseparately or may be present in the flexible layer 74, such as when theflexible layer 74 is woven. The projection 112 and base 1126 can beconnected to the housing 124 in any suitable manner, e.g., snap-fit,press-fit, fasteners, adhesive, or the like to connect the projection112 and/or the housing 124 to the flexible layer 74. Variations forconnecting the housing 124 and the one or more projections 112 to thewrist band are also contemplated.

In the version shown, the housing 124, and specifically the housing top124 b, has a first coupling interface that is shaped to releasablyengage a second coupling interface of the base 1126. The couplinginterfaces may include any form of coupling elements to secure thehousing 124 to the wrist band. In the version shown, the first couplinginterface includes one or more first snap elements 1160 and the base1126 includes one or more second snap elements 1162. The snap elements1160, 1162 are shaped to engage one another in a snap-fit manner toreleasably couple the housing 124 to the wrist band. In the versionshown, the first snap elements 1160 include four detent fingers havingsnap-fit heads and the second snap element includes a flange of the base1126 engageable by the four detent fingers (compare FIGS. 39A and 39B tosee the snap-fit engagement process and FIG. 39C that shows theengagement). Additionally, or alternatively, the wrist band includes oneor more hook-and-loop-type fasteners 1164 and the housing, specificallythe housing top 124 b, includes one or more hook-and-loop-type fasteners1166 configured to releasably engage the one or more hook-and-loop-typefasteners 1164 of the wrist band when releasably coupling the housing124 to the wrist band. The hook-and-loop-type fasteners 1164, 1166 maybe attached to the wrist band and the housing top 124 b, respectively,by any suitable method, including being sewn, fastened, welded, adhered,etc. When the housing 124 is disengaged from the wrist band, then thewrist band remains useable for providing nausea relief to the user viathe projection 112. Thus, the releasable nature of the housing 124provides additional flexibility in use of the wrist band.

In the version shown in FIGS. 38-40, the housing 124 has a top (part ofthe housing top 124 b) and an opposing bottom (part of the housing base124 a). The button 1141 is located on the bottom such that when the userapplies force to the button 1141 to operate the haptic generator 46, theforce is directed toward the projection 112 to further press theprojection 112 into the acupressure point Pericardium 6 of the user. Inother words, a center of the button 1141 and a center of the projection112 are generally aligned along an axis A1 that passes through theacupressure point Pericardium 6 so that any pressure applied onto thebutton 1141 is directed through the housing 124, through the base 1126and the projection 112, and to the acupressure point Pericardium 6 tofurther enhance the therapy to the user. In some versions, the button1141 is smaller and located on a side of the housing base 124 a,extending from the wall of the housing base 124 a.

As shown in FIG. 40, the wrist band is reversible so that the projection112 protrudes outwardly away from the wrist band so that the user isable to apply the projection 112 to other anatomical sites while the oneor more haptic generators 46 produce vibrations through the projection112 to the other anatomical sites. This further enhances haptic therapythat can be provided to the user by allowing the user to apply theprojection 112 to other acupressure points on the user, or otherlocations of tension to treat those locations, e.g., via vibrationmassage. The user can apply such pressure by placing one or more fingersthrough the wrist band to engage the housing 124 and press the button1141 and housing 124 in the direction of the projection 112, as shown,to further apply force through the projection 112 (e.g., massage head)onto the patient's treatment area. The user can also hold/grip thehousing 124 to move the housing 124 and thereby move the projection 112in small circles to massage any areas of interest while simultaneouslyoperating the haptic generator 46 to provide haptic therapy. In someversions, such as when the button 1141 operates a momentary contactswitch, operation of the haptic generator 46 stops when the user ceasesapplying pressure on the button 1141 (by virtue of the spring force ofthe momentary contact switch opening the circuit).

Referring to FIG. 41, a waterproof (or at least water resistant) versionof the housing 124 is shown. In this version, the housing 124 isgenerally cylindrical in shape. A seal 1190 (e.g., o-ring, gasket, etc.)is located in an annular groove in the housing base 124 a to sealagainst the housing top 124 b when the housing top 124 b is connected tothe housing base 124 a. In this version, the button 1141 is a siliconerubber button 1192 with integrally formed gasket 1194 that is capturedbetween the bottom of the housing base 124 a and a printed circuit board1196. The button 1141 may also be centrally located on the bottom of thehousing 124 and have a cylindrical shape as well, such that the housing124 and button 1141 are disposed about the axis that passes normal tothe wrist band and through the acupressure point P6 and the housing 124and the button 1141 extend radially equidistantly from the axis. As aresult, the housing 124 and the button 1141 appear to the user to be inthe same position relative to the wrist band regardless of their actualorientation relative to the wrist band (see, e.g., FIG. 42). The gasket1194 acts as a seal to further inhibit liquids, such as water, fromintruding into the housing 124 through an opening formed in the bottomfor the silicone rubber button 1192. The printed circuit board 1196includes spaced apart contacts 1198 a forming part of the momentarycontact switch. A moving contact 1198 b is mounted on the siliconerubber button 1192 (e.g., via adhesive, insert molding, etc.) and movestoward and makes contact with the contacts 1198 a when the siliconerubber button 1192 is depressed to complete the circuit operating thehaptic generator 46. The silicone rubber button 1192 includes webs/wallsthat are resilient to return the silicone rubber button 1192 to itsnormal position with the moving contact 1198 b spaced from the contacts1198 a when released.

FIG. 43 illustrates another wearable device 1230 that comprises thewearable support 32 and a haptic generator 46. This version is similarto the version shown in FIGS. 38-40 except that the housing 124 ismounted to a separate strap 1270 and the separate strap 1270 is thenfastened to the wrist band via one or more hook-and-loop-type fasteners,adhesive, welding, or the like. In this version, the separate strap 1270may be releasably fastened to the wrist band to supplement the wristband with haptic therapy, while also allowing the wrist band and theprojection 112 to be separately used for nausea relief, for example. Inthe version shown, separate hook-and-loop-type fasteners are mounted tothe wrist band and the separate strap 1270. The separate strap 1270 maybe formed of the same materials as the flexible layer 74. The button1241 may also be located beneath the separate strap 1270 or on one sideof the separate strap 1270 opposite the housing 124, as shown.

FIGS. 44A-45 illustrate a variation of the wearable device 1330 thatemploys a rotary actuator 114 a to apply pressure to the acupressurepoint P6 of the user and/or to other treatment sites. In some versions,a linear actuator, and/or other form of actuator could be employed. Therotary actuator 114 a is connected to the controller 66 to be activatedby the controller 66. The rotary actuator 114 a is mounted to a rigidhousing 124. The housing 124 is attached and fixed to the first and/orsecond flexible layer 74, 76 using any attachment method as previouslydescribed, or any suitable attachment method. The rotary actuator 114 acomprises a motor 116 a (e.g., a 3V, reversible DC motor or othersuitable motor) that is mounted to the housing 124 and one or morerotationally-movable cams 120 a connected to a drive shaft of the motor116 a to rotate relative to the housing 124 about axis A2. As shown inFIG. 45, the drive shaft of the motor 116 a is effectively a cam shafthaving the one or more cams 120 a fixed thereto to protrude into and outof the housing 124 through an opening 124 c in the housing 124 duringrotation of the drive shaft. A transmission may also be coupled to themotor 116 a with the cam shaft being an output shaft from thetransmission.

During actuation of the rotary actuator 114 a, as shown in FIG. 44A,each of the one or more cams 120 a has a cammed portion 121 a thatrotates toward the acupressure point P6 or other treatment site to applypressure. In some versions, the motor 116 a rotates in full 360-degreerotations to rotate the one or more cams 120 a. In some versions, themotor 116 a oscillates back and forth without making a full rotation(e.g., rotating less than 360 degrees). The one or more cams 120 a maybe located underneath flexible material of the wearable support 32(e.g., under flexible layer 74) to protrude into the flexible materialto apply pressure to the treatment area. The motor 116 a may rotate from1 to 1000 rotations per minute (RPM), from 10 to 100 rotations perminute, from 10 to 60 rotations per minute, or the like. In someversions, the wearable device 1330 further includes a haptic generator46 to additionally provide vibrations to the one or more cams 120 aduring actuation. The haptic generator 46 may operate as previouslydescribed.

The user interface UI of the wearable device 1330, which is coupled tothe controller 66, may include a button 1341 of a momentary contactswitch as previously described that is pressed to activate the motor 116a and/or the haptic generator 46. In some versions, the user interfaceUI includes an on/off switch and maintains the wearable device 1330 inan active state when depressed once and then deactivates the wearabledevice 1330 when depressed a second time. Any suitable form of switchmay be used to activate/deactivate the motor 116 a and/or the hapticgenerator 46. Heat may also be applied to the user via one or morethermal elements 48 coupled to the controller 66 that can be activatedin response to input from the user (e.g., separate buttons to activateheat and possibly at different temperature settings).

In some versions, the controller 66 is configured to rotate the one ormore cams 120 a to a home position in response to user actuation of ahome button of the user interface UI, or the controller 66 mayautomatically place the one or more cams 120 a in the home position whenthe wearable device 1330 is deactivated. The home position is a positionin which none of the cams 120 a are protruding out of the housing 124through the opening 124 c in the housing 124 such that the cams 120 aare no longer applying pressure against the user's skin. In this state,the wearable device 1330 operates as a conventional wrist band. The homeposition may be such that one of the cams 120 a is directed downward inthe housing 124 and may be signaled by activation of a limit switch 1350that is coupled to the controller 66 to provide a signal to thecontroller 66 when the cams 120 a are in their home position (see FIG.44B). This allows the user to actively wear the wearable device 1330 ontheir wrist W without any pressure being applied to their wrist W.

In some versions, the controller 66 is configured to place one of thecams 120 a in contact with the acupressure point P6 and keep the cam 120a in that treatment position (e.g., fully up position) until instructedotherwise (see FIG. 44A). This may be controlled by another button ofthe user interface UI that indicates nausea relief is desired—in whichcase the cam 120 a that is kept in contact with the acupressure point P6acts to provide such relief. Another button (or the same button) may beactuated by the user to start massage therapy by causing the one or morecams 120 a to begin rotating at their normal operational speed. The userinterface UI may also provide speed control settings, such as high,medium, or low speeds, as desired by the user. One or more buttons ofthe user interface UI may be associated with such speed control settings(e.g., one button depressed one or more times to toggle through speedcontrol, one button for each speed setting, etc.). The wearable device1330 of FIGS. 44A-45 is also reversible, similar to the wearable device1130 shown in FIG. 40 and can therefore also be used to provide massagetherapy to the user in a similar manner.

The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” and “comprising”, “has”, “have”, and“having”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are open-ended linkingverbs. For instance, a system, device, or apparatus, or element thereof,that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes” one or more elements possessesthose one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only thoseone or more elements.

Numerous wearable devices are disclosed herein with various combinationsof therapy devices for providing therapy to the user and/or measuringdevices for measuring physiological parameters of the user. It should beappreciated that other wearable devices are also contemplated thatinclude one or more of these therapy devices, one or more of thesemeasuring devices, or combinations thereof, even though not described indetail. It should also be appreciated that any one or more of thevarious therapy devices described can be used in combination with anyone or more of the various measuring devices to form additional wearabledevices.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable device for providing haptic therapy toa user, the wearable device comprising: a wrist band to be worn by theuser, wherein the wrist band includes a first flexible layer and asecond flexible layer; one or more haptic generators arranged on thewrist band between the first flexible layer and the second flexiblelayer; and a projection protruding from the wrist band to engageacupressure point Pericardium 6 of the user when the wrist band is wornby the user, wherein the one or more haptic generators are arranged toproduce vibrations to be felt by the user during haptic therapy and theprojection is located to apply pressure to the acupressure pointPericardium 6 of the user during haptic therapy such that the projectionis felt by the user during haptic therapy wherein the wrist bandincludes an inflatable bladder disposed between the first flexible layerand the second flexible layer, and wherein the projection is arranged tomove with inflation of the inflatable bladder to apply pressure to theacupressure point Pericardium 6 of the user.
 2. The wearable device ofclaim 1, wherein the projection has a rounded head formed of plastic toapply pressure to the acupressure point Pericardium
 6. 3. The wearabledevice of claim 1, comprising: a display unit configured to be coupledto the wrist band opposite the projection, wherein the display unitincludes a display; and one or more sensors to monitor one or morephysiological parameters of the user.
 4. The wearable device of claim 3,comprising a controller coupled to the one or more haptic generators andconfigured to activate the one or more haptic generators in response tothe one or more physiological parameters reaching a predefinedthreshold.
 5. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the one or morehaptic generators include one or more vibration motors.
 6. A wearabledevice for providing haptic therapy to a user, the wearable devicecomprising: a wrist band to be worn by the user; one or more hapticgenerators; a housing configured to be coupled to the wrist band, thehousing enclosing the one or more haptic generators; a projectionprotruding from the housing to engage one or more acupressure points ofthe user, wherein the one or more haptic generators are arranged toproduce vibrations through the projection to be felt by the user duringhaptic therapy; and a switch having a button to activate the one or morehaptic generators, wherein the button and the projection are alignedalong an axis with the one or more acupressure points when the wristband is worn by the user such that when the user applies force to thebutton to operate the one or more haptic generators, the force isdirected toward the projection to further press the projection into theone or more acupressure points of the user.
 7. The wearable device ofclaim 6, wherein the button has a center and the projection has acenter, the centers being aligned along the axis.
 8. The wearable deviceof claim 6, wherein the button is configured to be actively pressed bythe user to operate the one or more haptic generators such thatreleasing the button causes the one or more haptic generators to ceaseoperation.
 9. A wearable device for providing haptic therapy to a user,the wearable device comprising: a wrist band to be worn by the user; oneor more vibration motors; a housing configured to be coupled to thewrist band, the housing enclosing the one or more vibration motors; amassage head protruding from the housing to engage one or moreacupressure points of the user, wherein the one or more vibration motorsare arranged to produce vibrations through the massage head to be feltby the user during haptic therapy; and a momentary contact switch havinga button configured to be actively pressed by the user to operate theone or more vibration motors such that releasing the button causes theone or more vibration motors to cease operation, wherein the button islocated such that when the user applies force to the button to operatethe one or more vibration motors, the force is directed toward themassage head to further press the massage head into the one or moreacupressure points of the user.
 10. The wearable device of claim 9,wherein the massage head is dome-shaped.
 11. The wearable device ofclaim 9, wherein the wrist band is reversible so that the massage headis able to protrude inwardly or outwardly.
 12. The wearable device ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more vibration motors include a firstvibration motor arranged on the wrist band to provide haptic therapy toacupressure point Pericardium 6 of the user and a second vibration motorarranged on the wrist band to provide haptic therapy to acupressurepoint San Jiao 5 of the user.
 13. The wearable device of claim 9,wherein: the wrist band is formed of elastic fabric; and the one or morevibration motors operate at from 1,000 to 5,000 rotations per minute.14. The wearable device of claim 9, wherein the button and the massagehead are aligned along an axis with the one or more acupressure pointswhen the wrist band is worn by the user.